Summer, 2023 may just be a memory, but the fishing action for the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association could not be better than right now.
The offshore tuna action is going great guns. Boats are returning with limit catches after hot canyon action. Bottom fishing on the artificial reefs and other of structure is offering non-stop action on black bass, tautog, and porgies, and an unusual number of triggerfish. The bay action is producing good catches of blowfish and other species.
The only piece in the puzzle is the arrival of striped bass from the north. That could very well be happening any day as water temperatures continue to drop.
Captain Dave Wittenborn has been tuna fishing with the “Benita J“ and finding all the yellowfin tuna he wants. The Saunders group boated 10 “adult size yellowfins with a couple of jumbos.” They finished fishing by 9am. The Hunterdon Rod and Gun Club saw “lights out fishing on a beautiful fall day,” returning home with 10 nice 60-70lb class yellowfins and a released white marlin that ate a butterfish chunk 15-feet off the back of the boat.
Captain Brett Taylor of “Reel Reaction Sportfishing” had Marty Burns and crew on a blackfish trip before moving to the back bay to target blowfish with great results. The group boxed close to 60 with mostly large fish. Next was the Paul Kaufman party on a sea bass trip. They boxed their 50-fish limit of sea bass along with some nice porgies and triggerfish. Lastly, Captain Brett had Michael Futterman and sons on an after school 4-hour sea bass trip. They also limited out.
The “Miss Beach Haven” went offshore on an overnight tuna trip and returned with 7 yellowfin up to 63.5-pounds.