Some of the boats of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association have turned to "open boat" trips to fill out their fishing schedules. With economics and time constraints being a concern for many anglers, especially those in the southern Ocean County area on vacation, the ability to fish on a quality and pay only per angler is an attractive option.
Captains Dave Wittenborn on the "Compass Rose" and Fran Verdi on the "Dropoff" have learned the open boat trips have provided fishing opportunities for many anglers that might otherwise have been left at the shore.
Last weekend Captain Wittenborn had an "open boat" trip of 6 anglers out for a day of fluke fishing on the Garden State South Reef. After an early morning spurt of a pair of 4-pounders, the boat settled down to a steady pick of throwback fish marked with occasional keepers. This day's trip included anglers from Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Fishing with white Gulp and live minnow combination baits, the trip ended with a half a dozen nice fluke in the fish box.
Captain Adam Nowalsky on the" Karen Ann II" had the M&L Marine Service group out recently for a charter on a day with a stiff southerly wind with 4-foot seas. Despite unpleasant conditions, the party wanted to fish and found fish on just about every drift of the day. They finished the day with 5 nice fluke to take home along with a big eel. They also picked up some 1-pound bluefish caught on the troll on the way in.
Additional information on the association can be found at www.BHCFA.com or by calling 1-877-LBI-BHCFA (1-877-524-2423).
