The captains of the Beach Haven Charter fishing Association had really been looking forward to this final full week in September. With the summer flounder fishing season open until Friday, September 25, and the black sea bass season expanding on Wednesday, the 23rd, this looked to be a good time for inshore bottom fishing.
A typical nasty northeaster has disrupted those plans. With the high winds and heavy rain, even fishing in the normally calm bay waters does not appear to be a decent option. These fall northeast storms are common for the early fall season and must be faced with a measure of caution.
Summer is now over, and the fall season of 2026 is officially here. Rather than having regrets of the passing of summer, the captains of the BHCFA are now looking forward to the fishing typically experienced in the waters surrounding Long Beach Island.
As mentioned earlier, the black sea bass season is about to begin. Starting on September 23 and going until October 31, the daily bag limit for these fine eating structure loving fish is ten per angler. The minimum size is 12.5-inches.
Also to be found while fishing from the inshore artificial reefs and wrecks off LBI will be porgies, ling, and some triggerfish. Other catches might include croakers, bluefish, and others.
Prior to the arrival of the storm hopes have been high for a good fall tuna season. Not only will these great sport fish be found offshore in the canyons, many have been caught much closer to shore.
As the water temperatures start to drop and bait fish arrive in area waters, striped bass will be making their way down from the north. While there are bass around in October, the months of November and early December will be busy months for captains seeking these big sport fish.