The story this week for the boats of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association is variety. Right now the captains are catching bluefish, striped bass, tuna, and drumfish while expecting fluke and black sea bass to be on the scene very shortly.
Captain Carl Sheppard had another bachelor party out fishing on the "Starfish" last weekend that maxed out the cooler on big bluefish. Captain Carl says the blues are being caught best slow trolling using Clark spoons and pony tails, although old fashioned rag mops worked well also Their big catch was snagging a line that resulted in an umbrella rig with 4 bluefish attached, all over 15-pounds. Both a net and a gaff were needed to bring the unusual catch into the boat. Captain Carl is looking forward to the start of fluke season as first indications are that they are around the bay and inlet in good numbers.
Captain Fran Verdi had the "Francesca Marie" out recently north of Barnegat Inlet trolling bunker spoons and managed to boat a 39-inch striper in addition to two other knockdowns that did not come tight. He too is looking forward to the start of fluke season as well as the upcoming sea bass segment next week. Captain Fran is also planning a trip to the tuna grounds in the very near future. With the number of bluefish and drumfish in the bay, he expects a very exciting month of June.
Captain Ray Lopez on the "Miss Liane" had Karl and son Pauli out catching bluefish all day in the bay, ocean, and inlet. Despite looking all over, no striped bass could be enticed to bite through the bluefish. Bob Stewart of Forked River changed the "Miss Liane's" luck on another day as he reeled in a 42-inch bass. Once the bluefish slow down a little, Captain Ray expects his striper catches to increase.
Captain Jimmy Zavacky on the "Reel Determined" made a trip offshore and found a good temperature break. In addition to non-stop action on false albacore, his crew caught 6 bluefin tuna, tagging and releasing 4 while keeping 2 along with a nice yellowfin tuna.
Captain Tim Knorr reports that he has just about completed his upgrade projects on the "William Knorr." He has added new AC in addition to an addition to the tuna tower to elevate the radar and VHF antennas, and to relocate the raft up onto the roof of the boat for better visibility and safety. He regrets his late start to the season, but is excited about the new upgrades. He will be on the water very shortly.
Additional information on the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association can be found at www.BHCFA.net
