The captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association are working hard to find fish. With the black sea bass season having closed on Sunday until November 1, they are finding one less species to target.
Everyone continues to look for fluke, but that species has been playing hide and seek with everyone. The various storms recently have chased practically all of the fluke into the ocean, but they do not seem to be biting at any of the customary spots. There has been some chatter of fluke in the deeper water areas, 85-feet plus, but even there fish are scarce.
Captain Fran Verdi of the "Dropoff" says he will be targeting fluke until September 25 as well as hitting some of the deeper water wrecks that are holding blackfish, porgies, cod, and ling. He plans to start striped bass trips in mid October.
There are small bluefish around close to the beach, in the inlet, and even smaller ones in the bay waters. Anglers looking for fluke in the deeper water have reported some very big croakers on the bottom that are very hungry.
Offshore reports have been scarce thanks to the rough waters recently. Boats that did make it to the canyons have reported a good showing of white marlin along with some decent catches of yellowfin tuna.
Additional information on the association can be found at www.BHCFA.com or by calling 1-877-LBI-BHCFA (1-877-524-2423).