The New Jersey summer flounder season will be ending on Tuesday, September 5. It appears that the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association will be catching their share right up to the final bell.
Captain Gary Dugan of the "Irish Jig" boasts "the fishing has been on fire aboard the "Irish Jig." He has been fishing the local lumps and reefs to fill the coolers. He notes that he has had seasoned fishermen and families with children alike having great success while enjoying their trips.
Captain John Lewis of the "Insatiable" reports strong fluke fishing with double digit catches each day. The keeper ratio varies from day to day, but they find fish to take home every trip. The Prigge family caught their share of fluke in addition to sea bass, bluefish, dog fish, sea robins, and two surprises-a squid and a brown shark that was over three feet long.
Captain Dave Kreines of the "Byte Me" had a pair of fluke trips recently. He had the Pelenski family out to the Little Egg reef for a half day of non-stop action with fluke, two keepers, Fluke and Sea Robins. Two days later, the O'Briens - grandfather, father, and daughter- started out in the inlet where they found a couple of shorts, and then ran out to the Little Egg reef for a slow but steady pick of Fluke resulting in a pair of keepers along with the ever present Sea Robins.
Thursday, August 17 is the last Junior Mate class of 2017 with the annual John Koehler Memorial Junior Mate Fishing Tournament the next day. The boats will leave Morrison's marina at 7am and return at 1pm for the weigh in, awards presentation and lunch that will be held at the Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna Club. Captains Lopez, Sheppard, Zavacky, and Lewis are donating their boats, gas, bait, and gear for the event.
Additional information on the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association can be found at www.BHCFA.net.
