Even though Hurricane Ernesto stirred ocean waters up with winds and waves last weekend, the Captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association breathed a sigh of relief as the storm passed well offshore.
Once things settled down, the fishing picked up where it left off before Ernesto passed by. Inshore structure is producing fluke, black sea bass, blackfish, and multiple other species. The calmer bay waters harbor substantial amounts of panfish including croaker, spot, kingfish, small fluke, and now blowfish. When weather conditions permit, the offshore waters are giving up good catches of tuna, mahi, and tilefish.
Speaking of tuna and offshore fishing, two of the BHCFA captains performed well in the recent White Marlin Tournament sponsored by the Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna Club. Captain Dave Wittenborn and crew of the “Benita J” weighed in the third largest tuna at 48.2-pounds. Their two fish landed then in 14th place in the tournament for most points.
Captain Jimmy Zavacky of the “Reel Determined” ended up in 13th place with three tuna weighed in topped by a 47.8-pounder. The crews of both boats earned nice sums of prize money for their catches.
Friday, August 23, is the annual Junior Mate Fishing Tournament. The annual event is the opportunity for the Junior Mates to spend a day fishing and celebrating their summer’s work. This year for the first time, all participants will be fishing on the same boat. Captain Steve Palmer has donated use of the “Miss Beach Haven” for the event. The boat is scheduled to leave the dock at 7am and return at 1.
After the mates clean the boat, all will proceed to the Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna club for the weigh-ins and awarding of prizes.
Additional information on the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association can be found at www.BHCFA.org