BHCFA Fishing Report – Sept 21, 2024 – By Jim Hutchinson Sr.

The captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association are not happy with the current weather conditions. The official end of the 2024 summer flounder season takes place on Wednesday, September 25, but it appears the final few days of the season may well be a shutout.

At this point in the fluke fishing season, most of the bigger fish, including doormats, have made their way out of the bays and into the ocean. When conditions allow, the fishing for these fish in September can be quite good around the local artificial reefs and structure.

In some recent years, hurricanes coming up the coast have created nasty conditions, including large ocean swells, to put a damper on the end of the season fishing. This year, an extended northeast storm has caused wave heights to exceed 6-feet. This means savvy captains have made the decision to “pull the plug” and wait until conditions improve. Unfortunately, with the fluke season ending this week, anglers may have to wait for May of 2025 for their next flatfish action.

The nasty weather should not affect the offshore tuna and mahi-mahi fishing once conditions calm down to allow safe passage to offshore waters. This action was going strong before the “nor’easter” arrived, and odds are the action will continue.

A quick look ahead shows the impending arrival of migrating stripe bass and the action these fish bring. As Captain Jonathan Kelly of “LBI Sportfishing” says, “It’s almost that time of year when the best fishery in our area kicks into high gear! The striped bass fishing over the past few years has been nothing short of incredible, and I anticipate this season will be just as thrilling”

The best striper fishing takes place in November and even into January. Anglers who wish to enjoy this fishing should reserve their choice dates early before the reservations fill up.

Additional information on the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association can be found at www.BHCFA.org