What a difference a week makes. Now that some warmer weather and calmer winds have arrived, the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association are finding things more to their liking.
Captain Fran Verdi of the "Francesca Marie" had to abort a couple of his fishing trips due to the weather. Recently he has been able to get back on the bite as he is finding some good action on back bay fluke and sea bass on the nearby ocean wrecks and reefs. Captain John Koegler had the "Star Fish" out for a day of bottom fishing in the ocean. He reported the black sea bass action was a bit spotty, but his group caught enough keepers to provide dinner for all. Captain John said he was surprised to catch a few sea bass that were smaller than 6-inches. Usually these small sea bass do not show until the end of the summer.
On his way out he was shocked to see a wide ocean break in the exact center of the Little Egg Inlet marked channel. He had no trouble running around the break but believes a boater, especially in small boat, might encounter some danger of not aware of this break.
The fluke bite in Great Bay is steady with many more throwbacks than keepers. Right now there is a lull in the striped bass action. Additional information on the association can be found at www.BHCFA.com or by calling 877-524-2423.