Halloween is just about here, and the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association are not “tricking” when they say there is still exceptional fishing to be found in area waters.
The “treat” part of the equation is deciding whether to go bottom fishing on inshore structure or chase after striped bass in the bays and inlet.
Captain Brett Taylor of “Reel Reaction Sportfishing” fished a party recently, running his first 3-hour night striped bass trip of the season. Despite full moon tides and stronger than expected winds, he managed to find action for client Robert Boyle and his buddy Brian. Working marshy, skinny areas with poppers and other artificials they went 2 for 5 on small stripers. Captain Brett claimed it was “a tougher night for us, but still a nice night on the salt.”
Captain Gary Dugan of the “Irish Jig” has been running some very successful trips out of Beach Haven Inlet to nearby structure to fill his fish box with big black sea bass, porgies, and a surprising number of triggerfish. Captain Gary plans to mix those bottom trips with ventures after striped bass. There are reports of good catches of bass in the Mullica River area with bass of varying sizes.