The captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association are keeping wary eyes on the progress of Hurricane Irene. Even though all are hoping that Beach Haven avoids a direct hit, it is a sure bet that fishing will be disrupted for a few days.

Recent fishing trips have found keeper fluke a bit difficult to locate. Most of the fluke have either left the bay waters or are massed together close to and in the inlet. The action at the Little Egg Reef has slowed, but captains are finding some larger fish at the Garden State South Reef and at some wrecks even farther out. Some of these deeper waters are giving up some cold water fish such as cod and ling along with some blackfish.

Captain George Finck of "Sparetime Charters" had a bachelor party out recently for a day of fishing and fun. Scott Wenelast and friends treated Erik Leamin to a good day on the water with a decent catch of fluke and sea bass.

Closer to the beach there are good numbers of cocktail blues that are being caught on the troll and by casting into diving birds. Croakers have also shown up in 35-feet of water just outside the inlet. The canyons have been very productive the past week or so with some very nice catches of yellowfin and bigeye tuna along with good action on billfish and mahi.

Once Irene leaves the area by the beginning of next week, this fishing should only get better.

Additional information on the association can be found at www.BHCFA.com or by calling 1-877-LBI-BHCFA (1-877-524-2423).

Fish Species: Fluke, sea bass, bluefish
Bait Used: Spearing, Gulp, squid
Tackle Used: Bottom gear
Method Used: Drifting
Water Depth: 35-90
Water Temperature: 74
Wind Direction: SE
Wind Speed: 5-10

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About The Author: Jim Hutchinson Sr.

Company: Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association

Area Reporting: Beach Haven-bay and ocean

Bio: I am a writer who will assemble the weekly reports for the association and submit them.

609-290-5942
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Fishing Guide Jim Hutchinson Sr.