BHCFA October 21 Report

High winds and rough ocean conditions have kept most of the boats of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association tied at the dock recently. Captain Fran Verdi of the "Drop Off" had no takers for a recent open boat trip and decided to do some fishing himself. He arrived at the Little Egg Reef Site and found a great spot holding a ton of fish. He anchored over the spot, and it was drop and reel all day long. He caught his first striper of the year as he was reeling up a small sea bass and out of nowhere a huge bass came and ate the sea bass. After a 20-minute fight he got the fish to the boat. The fish measured 44-inches and fat. Since he was at the reef and over 3-miles from shore, he released the fish. Continuing to fish, he had sea bass and tog in large numbers. He landed 32, tog all in the 14 inch to 22-inch range, keeping one. Some 53 sea bass to 19-inches came over the rail, and he kept 11 for dinner. Despite his great day, Captain Verdi said he wished he had some fishing companions to share the action with. Additional information on the association can be found at www.BHCFA.com