This is the time of the year for big game fishing for boats sailing out of Beach Haven. Some of the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association have been doing well fishing offshore.
Captain Bob Gerkens had a split charter of experienced anglers for a bigeye tuna evening-night troll at one of the southern canyons. They selected the night trip as the day troll has slowed. When they arrived in mid-afternoon they pulled some nice mahi-mahi from around some lobster pots on light tackle. They then geared up with the heavy tuna equipment. After a couple of hours of trolling they had a double hookup. A half hour later they had fish of 180 and 200 pounds in the boat. Capt Bob Gerkens was assisted by mate Dante Soriente and legendary bigeye fisherman Captain Mike Yocco of the boat "MJs."
Captain Raymond Lopez and his daughter Liane of "Miss Liane Sportfishing" joined Captains Jimmy and Patrick Zavacky on the "Reel Determined" for an offshore trip to the canyons. The bite was slow in the morning but throughout the day they had three solid knockout downs. On the third one, Liane strapped on the fighting belt and took the rod. It was a team effort with Liane doing the reeling. She boated a beautiful 54-pound yellowfin tuna-her first. In addition to the tuna some small mahi were also caught.
The Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association will be holding a regatta on August 16 in memory of Captain John Koegler who passed away last winter. A caravan of boats will leave from Morrison's Marina in Beach Haven and lay a wreath and flowers in one of John's favorite fishing spots. Anyone wishing to participate should contact Captain Jimmy Zavacky at reeldetermined@comcast.net
Additional information on the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association can be found at www.BHCFA.net.
