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August 17 Fishing Report

The annual White Marlin Tournament sponsored by the Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna Club is now in full swing, and several Captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association are competing. Those result should be available in a few days. The final tally should be interesting as the offshore fishing has been active lately.

Meanwhile, the inshore action on the artificial reefs and structure is heating up to its best level of the summer. In addition to the chance to take some tasty fish fillets home, all the captains are raving about how the action is ideal for introducing youngsters to fishing.

Captain John Lewis of the “Insatiable” has been finding intense action fishing some of the calm bay waters. The fish are mostly pan-sized, but the constant action and multiple species of fish make for good days of fishing. According to Captain John, “Making kids happy is the best day on the water.”

Captain Max Goldman reports the “Starfish” has been catching black sea bass at a “drop and reel” rate. Doubleheaders have been common, and he notes the action is great for youngsters.

Captain Gary Dugan of the “Irish Jig” has had several charters this week with the anglers returning with nice catches of fluke in the fish box. One day saw four keepers to 23.5-inches. The other trips saw similar results with black sea bass in the mix. Captain Gary had high words of praise as he watched families having fun together.

As usual, Captain Brett Taylor of “Reel Reaction Sportfishing” has been very active fishing out of Barnegat Inlet. This past week he had multiple days with three trips a day. The first trip one day was Jesse Sipe and son Ryan who limited out of fluke to 24-inches along with a limit of sea bass and a few ling. Next Peter Wessel and family worked the bay for a total of 36 fluke with two keepers. Lastly, was Victor Engand and sons Liam and Ethan on a sea bass trip. They landed their sea bass limit of fish to 20-inches, some ling, and one keeper fluke.