Memorial Day weekend is almost here, and the captains and crews of the Beach Haven Charter Boat Association are looking forward to this unofficial start of summer 2024 on Long Beach Island.
At this point, the fishing action is as strong and varied as it has been in years. There are striped bass and black drumfish in the inshore ocean waters and the bays. There has been an unexpected run of big bluefish just off the beach, and the black sea bass season has entered on a high note with some great catches being recorded on ocean structure. Finally, the summer flounder action is right on schedule in the bay waters at both ends of Long Beach Island.
Captain Gary Dugan reports another great week on the “Irish Jig.” He says the fluke are hungry. He is running bay trips for fluke and for black sea bass on local wrecks. Captain Gary recently enjoyed taking some veterans out as they put fluke and bluefish in the box.
Captain Brett Taylor of “Reel Reaction Sportfishing” Bob Dodds and crew on a 4-hour bay fluke charter. He tried some new areas for fluke, and the anglers released over 25 short fish and boxed 6 keepers up to 23-inches.
Meanwhile, many of the BHCFA captains are putting the finishing touches on their boats for the season. Captains Ray and George just launched the new “Miss Liane” this past Friday. They have openings in the next couple of weeks and will be targeting stripers, sea bass, and fluke.
Additional information on the captains and boats of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association can be found at www.BHCFA.org