The weather is hot in Beach Haven, NJ, and the fishing on the boats of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association continues to heat up on both inshore trips and those offshore to the canyons.
Captain Jimmy Zavacky took the "Reel Determined" out to the canyon for its second offshore trip of the year. Fishing in gorgeous weather, 17-year old Matthew Began caught his first tuna ever, a nice yellowfin weighing between 60 and 70 pounds. The end of the trip saw the group seven for seven on yellowfin.
Captain Bob Gerkens took the "Hot Tuna" out to a southern canyon and boated 7 yellowfin tuna with three in the 50-60 pound class along with a "gaffer" mahi and some skipjack tuna. Last Sunday Captain Bob did an "inshore" tuna charter with 6 novice anglers from China, Taiwan, and New York City seeking bluefin tuna. The group successfully fought a pair of bluefin with one measuring 62-inches and the other 58-inches. The smaller fish was released after a careful lip gaffing. A small juvenile bluefish was also caught and released by the crew.
Fishing is good inshore on the local artificial reefs and wrecks also. Captain John Lewis had the "Insatiable" out bottom fishing and landed a wide variety of fish including fluke, black sea bass, and ling. In addition, an abundance of sea robins and small dogfish help keep the youngsters busy and content. Captain John noted a goodly amount of bait in the water so he anticipates the action to be around for quite a while.
The BHCFA's Junior Mate Program is progressing with a recent class showing how to throw a cast net taught by Captain Anthony from "Fin Chasers." Each mate had the chance to work with him and improve their own individual skills.
Additional information on the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association can be found at www.BHCFA.net.
