Mother Nature has been inflicting high winds and rain on the southern New Jersey coast recently. These conditions have slowed down the efforts of the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association but not shut them out completely.
Captain Fran Verdi on the "Dropoff" has two recent trips that resulted in some decent striped bass action. Jack and Timmy sailed with Captain Fran on an "open boat" trip. They fished with fresh clams near Graveling Point, and, although it was a slow pick, each managed to boat one keeper bass.
Monday saw the Russ Miserendino party on board who managed to fish in some flat calm conditions. Fishing the last 3 hours of the rising tide they had a nice pick of both short and keeper stripers. Once the tide switched to go against the wind, the bite shut down. The anglers ended with 3 keepers from 29-32 inches and 5 shorts, all under 22 inches.
Captain Adam Nowalsky had a group out a week ago on the ocean for some wreck and reef action. Fishing in 44 degree water the five-man party caught about 40 total fish, 30 of which were blackfish. They ended the day with 14 keeper blackfish and another four legal sized cod. Bob had the hot hand, catching over half the keepers himself, while ex-mate Mark had a doubleheader of 5-pound blackfish.
The headboat "Miss Beach Haven" has been kept at the dock by poor weather but expects to hit the blackfish grounds this weekend. Mate Sal Rosa reports he has been negotiating with Mother Nature, even promising her some fish fillets if she cooperates with some nice weather this coming weekend.
Additional information on the association can be found at www.BHCFA.com or by calling 877-524-2423.
