The calendar says that spring is near even if the weather does not. The continuing wintry weather has not kept the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association from getting ready for the 2014 fishing season. Some of these captains have passed along accounts of their winter activities.
Captain John Lewis will be berthing the "Insatiable" at Morrison's Marina this summer. He has been busy over the past several weeks spending time at various boating and fishing shows spreading the word about Beach Haven fishing opportunities.
Captain Lindsay Fuller has outfitted the "June Bug" with a new suite of electronics and is still upgrading some items left over from Hurricane Sandy. That includes a new enclosure and a rebuilt fighting chair. He had much of his trolling tackle rebuilt by Kevin Bogan.
Captain Carl Sheppard has been spending the past several weeks getting the "Star Fish" tiptop. Items such as zincs, paining, zincs, polishing, and paining have been done in anticipation of its annual Coast Guard inspection in March. The "Star Fish" is licensed for 19 anglers and Captain Carl hopes to be fishing by mid-April.
Captain George Finck reports he is well along with the maintenance on "Sparetime Charters." He has been communicating with some of his customers and is looking forward to an outstanding 2014 fishing season.
Captain John Koegler of "Pop's Pride" has been working on the curriculum for the highly popular Junior Mate's Program which is administered every summer. This program is for teenagers who have thoughts of learning more about fishing and perhaps becoming mates on fishing boats.
Complete information on the Junior Mate's Program along with complete information on the Beach haven Charter Fishing Association can find information at www.fishbeachhaven.com