As the month of August rolls in, the array of fishing catches widens for the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association. In addition to the typical catches of fluke inshore and tuna offshore, other species are making their appearances. Among these other fish are tilefish, black sea bass, ling, bluefish, small weakfish, and even a cobia.
Captain Max Goldman of the “Starfish” has been seeing steady catches of fluke and sea bass while fishing the local artificial reefs. One of his anglers just stunned the local fishing community when a 44-inch cobia was reeled in at the Little Egg Reef.
Captain Gary Dugan of the “Irish Jig” put a group of anglers on some hot fluke fishing in the ocean recently. A total of four keepers to 23-inches made the fish box in addition to many smaller ones released.
The “Miss Beach Haven,” one of only two head boats remaining on Long Beach Island, has been experiencing true family friendly trips. With plenty of room to fish and friendly mates, bottom fishing is ideal for families even with young children.
Captain Brett Taylor of “Reel Reaction Sportfishing” had to cancel a couple of trips because of the weather, but when he made it out, his anglers caught fish. Bay fishing trips are averaging over 50 throwback fluke with 2-3 keepers. Mixed in have been cocktail blues and spike weakfish. Ocean trips are producing more keepers in addition to ling and sea bass.