There have been several changes over the winter in the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association. The biggest change was a sad one for the Association with the passing of Captain John Koegler of the boat "Pop's Pride." Captain John was a founding father of the BHCFA and a fixture on the fishing scene in Beach Haven. His presence will be missed by all, especially those teenagers in the Junior Mates Program. This program had a special place in John's heart.
Association President Captain Jimmy Zavacky reports the Association has added four new sponsors along with a new captain, Ray Lopez. Representatives of the Association have been on hand at four fishing flea markets in the area along with several boat shows including the Atlantic City Boat Show. Upcoming events include the Armed Forces Leisure and Travel Show at Lakehurst on March 17 and the Little Egg Harbor Fishing Flea Market on March 29.
Captain Fran Verdi of the "Francesca Marie" has been busy this winter speaking at the Atlantic City Boat Show and being active in the New Jersey chapter of the Recreational Fishing Alliance. He is already making plans for some early season striped bass and black drum fishing expeditions.
Captain Carl Sheppard of the "Star Fish" reports he is having a stainless steel shoe made for the boat's keel. He is doing this as a double measure of protection for "Star Fish's" keel. He is having the boat's rugs replaced and the deck re-gel coated. He is utilizing the help of some of the members of the Junior Mates Program in making the boat shiny and ship-shape.
Captain Gary Dugan of the "Irish Jig" has been putting time in at several boat and fishing shows trying to pick up some new strategies and techniques to use on the water. He reports that he has been fine tuning his shark fishing skills and plans to put them to good use.
Captain John Lewis of the "Insatiable" kept busy over the winter making boat deliveries to Florida and several other locations. His next trip will be to Mexico. Captain John is excited that he will have a new boat in 2015. He has purchased the "Slammer," a 44-foot Henriques. He is installing new electronics, improving on the amenities, and will rename her.
Captain Ray Lopez has been upgrading many of the amenities on the "Miss Liane." He has added a new Garmin plotter/fish finder along with new outriggers, cushions and trolling equipment. He and his first mate Liane are looking forward to their first year as members of the BHCFA.
Complete information on the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association can be found at www.BHCFA.net
