Springlike weather has arrived in Beach Haven, and the fish are cooperating. The boats of the Bach Haven Charter Fishing Association are making their mark already.
Late April and May have been marked by one of the hottest bluefish runs in recent history. Huge "yellow eyes" are racing around the bay and Little Egg Inlet as well as just off the shores of Long Beach Island. The spring's striped bass run has slacked off a bit as the stripers have retreated in the face of the bluefish. There are small bass to be found and larger fish will be arriving shortly. In addition, there has been a decent run of black drum fish in the waters of Great Bay.
Captain Carl Sheppard recently had a group of ladies out for a Friday evening sunset cruise on the "Starfish" with cocktails and snacks enjoying a crisp spring evening a beautiful setting sun.
On Saturday, the Starfish had the George Sodden party out on a fishing trip to celebrate the upcoming nuptials of one of their group. The boat headed due south for the bluefish blitz near the inlet. In 55-degree water their lures were attached by hungry blues. For several hours they had non-stop action on 10-15 pound bluefish. They left those bluefish looking for stripers but could not locate any keepers. They ended up with a few pan-sized bluefish for dinner.
Captain Gary Dugan of the "Irish Jig" has been scoring on a few small bass along with some nice 25-pound black drum. Whenever he wants, he anchors up for torrid bluefish action in the Great Bay area.
Captain Jimmy Zavacky and the "Reel Determined" are in the water and ready to go. Captain Jimmy has plans for the big bluefish in the area as well as some solid striper action.
First mate Liane Lopez reports that the Miss Liane Sportfishing Charters and Captain Ray Lopez are in the water and ready for action. They too are looking forward to the bluefish and stripers while also thinking about the upcoming fluke season.
Additional information on the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association can be found at www.BHCFA.net.
