The Indian Summer weather last weekend in Beach Haven resulted in some outstanding catches from the boats of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association. Leading the way was a monumental tuna trip by the "Miss Beach Haven."
Sailing with its maximum 12 anglers, Captain Frank Camarda guided the group to a limit catch of tuna. Counting the fish caught by crew members, a total of 42 fish ended up on the boat.
The trip began with an unproductive troll before stopping and putting out some chum at nightfall. The action then began with fish biting well into the night. A significant bite started again at first light until the anglers were too tired to catch any more. Two more weekend offshore tuna trips are planned for October.
Captain Fran Verdi turned his attentions on the "Drop Off" to deep water wrecks last weekend, and the move paid off. Making just two stops, he found great "drop and reel" fishing for over 75 nice sized fish. His party quickly limited out on blackfish and caught quite a few nice triggerfish.
Captain Fran said they also reeled up quite a few keeper black sea bass in the 16-22 inch range. The sea bass had to be returned as the season is closed until November 1. He reports he is watching the water temperature for a drop to indicate the stripers will be arriving in numbers.
Captain Carl Sheppard on the "Starfish" took the Stoops family out recently on a half day trip. After picking up some cocktail blues in the inlet on the way out, he bottom fished close to the beach for great action on undersized spike weakfish. He made a move to deeper water and found plenty of croakers plus some larger weakfish.
The "Starfish" returned to port with enough fish to fill two shelves of the Stoops family freezer. Captain Carl added that he has heard of at least two reports of limited out catches on striped bass in the ocean under bunker pods.
Additional information on the association can be found at www.BHCFA.com or by calling 877-524-2423.