Even though Hurricane Ernesto stirred ocean waters up with winds and waves last weekend, the Captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association breathed a sigh of relief as the storm passed well offshore.
Once things settled down, the fishing picked up where it left off before Ernesto passed by. Inshore structure is producing fluke, black sea bass, blackfish, and multiple other species. The calmer bay waters are harboring large amounts of panfish including croaker, spot, kingfish, small fluke, and now blowfish. When weather conditions permit, the offshore waters are giving up good catches of tuna, mahi, and tilefish.
Speaking of tuna and offshore fishing, two of the BHCFA captains performed well in the recent White Marlin Tournament sponsored by the Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna Club. Captain Dave Wittenborn and crew of the “Benita J” weighed in the third largest tuna at 48.2-pounds. Their two fish landed then in 14th place in the tournament for most points.
Captain Jimmy Zavacky of the “Reel Determined” ended up in 13th place with three tuna weighed in, topped by a 47.8-pounder. The crews of both boats earned nice sums of prize money for their catches.
On Friday, August 23, the BHCFA held its annual Junior Mates Fishing Tournament. The annual event is the opportunity for the Junior Mates to spend a day of fishing and celebrating their summer’s work. This year for the first time, all participants fished on the same boat. Captain Steve Palmer donated use of the “Miss Beach Haven” for the event.
After fishing and boat cleanup, the mates proceeded to the Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna Club for the weigh-ins and awarding of prizes. Taking top honors was Connor with a 4.65-pound fluke. Other standouts were Connell, Branson, and Aiden with keeper fluke and black sea bass.