Like everyone else along the Atlantic seaboard, the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association are anxiously awaiting the official arrival of Hurricane Sandy. The preliminary winds and tides do not bode well for the next day or so.
The captains have been spending the past few days getting their boats, homes, and families safe and secure. With all predictions calling for strong winds, extremely high tides, and torrential rainfall, they await what may be the strongest storm of their lifetimes.
Some of the boats of the BHCFA's fleet have been removed from the water and securely anchored down. Other boats remain in the water to weather the storm. These boats have been stripped of anything that might be susceptible to the winds.
The dock lines have been doubled down with sufficient length to accommodate the expected high tides. All of this work was completed before Sandy's arrival as once the storm is in full fury any adjustments can be dangerous.
As far as the fishing goes, the striped bass bite prior to the storm was slow in the Beach Haven area. Boats had been making trips to the north in the Barnegat Inlet and Island Beach area to find bass by trolling and jigging.
It is hoped that the storm will stimulate the bite, and the striper fishing will light up once things settle down on the weather front.
Additional information on the association can be found at www.BHCFA.com or by calling 877-524-2423.