The hot days of summer have finally arrived in Beach Haven, and the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association have been catching more fish as the water temperatures climb.
Captain John Koegler of the "Pop's Pride" had a party out recently in the ocean wreck fishing and they found hot action with over 60 fish brought to the boat. There were 14 black sea bass large enough to take home along with a 4.5 pound ling. On the way back to the dock they did a couple of drifts in the ocean that resulted in several fluke including one keeper. Captain John says there is still a layer of cold water on the bottom, and he has heard of some good catches of cod at some of the deeper water wrecks.
Captain Tim Knorr on the "William Knorr" had the Kevin Shinn party out recently where they were met with 3-5 foot seas. Despite the rocky conditions, they caught several fluke including two keepers, one keeper sea bass, two nice bluefish, and picked up a hound fish in Barnegat Inlet.
Captain George Finck of "Sparetime Charters" reports he has been fishing in the bay due to the cold waters. Both the Swartz and Katz families went out with Captain George and found good action on fluke, skates, and sea robins. The Rich Huss party went home with a nice dinner of fluke and also released some small sea bass released and sand sharks.
Captain John Lewis had the Budraitis family on the bay on his boat "Insatiable" last weekend. After a foggy start to the day, the sun came out and made for one of the best weather days of the year. They had a pick of fluke as well as the usual sand sharks and skates, keeping everyone busy. The ladies out fished the men on this trip.
Additional information on the association can be found at www.fishbeachhaven.com.