The recent horrible weather that southern Ocean County has been experiencing has put a damper on much of the fishing. However, it has not kept all of the boats of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association at the dock.
Captain Fran Verdi got the "Dropoff" out fishing for a while Saturday with George, the "Fluke Guy", to the LE Reef for sea bass. They fished 3 hours in the morning and picked away at sea bass with some bluefish mixed in. Then heavy rains arrived, and they headed home in a torrential downpour. The final tally was six 14-17 inch sea bass and two bluefish. They also caught fluke, scup, and skates, but no dogfish.
Captain Fran says George has been on a streak of bad weather. Known last year as the "Fog and Rain Man," he may graduate to "Bad Weather George."
Captain Carl Sheppard on the "Star Fish" said he had a "beautiful day on the water" on Friday despite a miserable weather forecast. After exploring bunker pods for bass with no luck, he did some wreck fishing for over 40 sea bass and some very large porgies in a half day morning trip.
On Saturday he went offshore with a party of 8 anglers where they drifted a number of wrecks until finding a productive spot. They caught over 50 sea bass, bluefish, and fluke. Sunday's weather cancelled Captain Sheppard's morning trip, but he managed to fish the back bay in the afternoon for a few fish.
Captain Carl's mate of 5 years, Tom Masterson has upgraded his license to 50 tons and will be running charters on Sunday afternoons on the "Star Fish."
Captain John Koegler on "Pop's Pride" fished Saturday and had a good catch of sea bass and bluefish. Two of the bluefish were small snappers less than 8" long which is unusual for June. The group gave stripers a try early but had no hookups.
Captain Koegler has announced that the Junior Mate's Program of the BHCFA will begin classes this Thursday night, June 25, at the Maritime History Museum on Dock Road in Beach Haven. All interested participants are requested to arrive by 7 pm. Additional information on the classes including phone numbers and the association in general is available at the association's website at www.fishbeachhaven.com
.