November weather has finally arrived, and the bass migration is now in full swing for the boats of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association. Most of the fish in local waters are those large trophy sized linesiders that must be returned to the water. Recent reports from the north indicate the slot sized fish are on their way for keeper fish.
Captain Brett Taylor of Reel Reaction Sportfishing had a recent 3-hour charter after a day of teaching. After scoring a few tagged stripers, they moved around and found a solid 31-incher and finished up with three more slot fish.
Captain Dave Wittenborn has been busy. On Veterans Day he had the Hall charter out looking for bluefin tuna after several cancelled trips. The group was rewarded with a butterball bluefin tuna, taping out at 65`inches and weighing in at 170 pounds. Then Saturday Captain Dave had an incredible day fishing in the BHMTC’s LBI Cup Tournament. His anglers caught 25 gorgeous bass, saw whales feeding on bunker and massive bird play. John Mulholland was outstanding as first mate.
Captain John Lewis reports the Association’s reef deployment program has slowed down lately due to a loss of a vessel to deploy reef balls and a lack of suitable vessels to sink. The last reef ball deployment was in 2024 and a barge sinking in 2025, both on the Little Egg Reef site. The BHCFA Assisted two local efforts recently on the Barnegat Light Reef. The state of NJ has just notified him that the New Jersey Aids to Navigation boat will be available after they complete installing their buoys for 2027 boating season. This spring will see a delivery of 35 reef balls to begin regular deployments from then on.