The Junior Mates Program of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association is moving full speed ahead. This week’s session includes first aid training which will result in credentials good for two years. Completion of this session will meet the captain’s licensure requirement for first aid. In addition, the BHCFA is selling colorful new T-shirts with the proceeds helping to finance the Junior Mates Program. Upcoming classes include hands-on instruction by Canyon Reels on setting drags, a presentation by Jim Hutchinson Jr., the editor of “Fisherman” magazine, and class work and preparation for New Jersey Boater Safety certification.

 

Right now inshore fluke fishing has been receiving the attention of the captains of the BHCFA. An added bonus when fishing at the inshore wrecks and artificial reef sites has been the re-opening of the black sea bass season. Although the daily limit is just two fish, it helps to fill out the fish box with some tasty fillets.

 

Captain Carl Sheppard of the “Star Fish” has been fishing with much success for both fluke and black sea bass out to 100' depth. With the reopening of sea bass season, all of his parties have been limiting out every trip. The “Star Fish” is one of the few area charter boats capable of taking out up to20 passengers and fishing 12 at the same time.

 

Captain Gary Dugan on the “Irish Jig” has experienced some good fluke fishing on the inshore artificial reefs. One trip his anglers returned with 8 nice keepers. He reports he has had to work for his fish, but the results have been worth the effort.