The good news around Beach Haven is the continued presence of striped bass in the bay and inlet waters. Some catches of larger bass, 50-plus pounds, just north of Long Beach Island, bodes well for those big spring bass for ocean anglers trolling and jigging with live bunker. In addition to the bass, the bay is loaded with bluefish and a goodly number of weakfish
The captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association are also looking forward to the beginning of the summer flounder and black sea bass seasons.
Captain Fran Verdi on the "Francesca Marie" reports finding good action on those stripers and bluefish in the bay in addition to some black drumfish. He ran an open boat trip recently where he had two keeper bass and another 7 throwbacks. They also boated 10 bluefish, three of which were kept for the dinner table.
Captain Bob Gerkens of the "Hot Tuna" wants his loyal anglers to know that final Hurricane Sandy repairs are being completed in North Carolina and he should have his boat back in New Jersey later this month.