The Junior Mates Program of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association has been garnering widespread acclaim since its founding over 20 years ago. Traditionally, the group’s learning concludes every summer with the Captain John Koegler Junior Mates Fishing Trip.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other ideas this year as nasty weather forced cancellation of the trip on the “Miss Beach Haven.”
Back when the BHCFA was first started by a group of dedicated fishing captains from the Beach Haven area, there was a lack of well-trained mates to assist on the boats. The captains started classes for interested teenagers training them for the mate chores.
Captain John Koegler was one of the original founders of the BHCFA as well as the Junior Mates program. He taught many of the classes to the budding mates.
Unfortunately, Captain John passed away several years ago. Naming the annual fishing tournament after him was a natural way to honor his role in the group. In addition to his association with the BHCFA, Captain John was active in many fishing organizations and a well-spoken advocate for intelligent fishing practices.
Every year the Koegler family donates rods and reels to the youngsters completing the Junior Mates Program. Originally his brother Bruce began the tradition, and after his passing, John’s daughter Amy Koegler Pascali has continued this support of the Junior Mates.
In addition to receiving the fishing gear, each of the Junior Mates received a fishing pass for two anglers on the “Miss Beach Haven” courteous of Captain Steve Palmer.