As spring finally starts to arrive, the fishing action in the Beach Haven area continues to heat up. Several captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association have been putting their time in on the water and coming up with some positive results.

Captain Gary Dugan of “Irish Jig Sportfishing” usually will pull the plug when weather conditions make it too uncomfortable for his anglers. On a recent trip, he termed it “like an episode of Deadliest Catch.” The group had to take the trip that day or no trip at all. Captain Gary managed to find some protected areas of Great Bay and provided them with some action on big bluefish.

Captain Tom Masterson had a great day on the bay with the Pat Lavanga party aboard Captain Carl Sheppard’s “Starfish” with bluefish being the request of the day. The group had some great action catching 15 big bluefish trolling Rebels and spoons between the inlet and Great Bay.

Captain Matt Curtis of “Olbarney Guide Service” reports “crummy” weather slowing action down a bit but when he can get out he has managed a good mix of keeper striped bass and black drum to 35-pounds in the bay. Outside the inlets, he hears the striped bass bite is underway a little north of Beach Haven with 30-40-pound bass taking Mojos and spoons. Last Sunday he had a bay trip that had non-stop action on big dog fish and plenty of blues along with a 50-pound drum that was released. He managed to pick up one 28-inch striper that made its way into the fish box.

Captain Jimmy Zavacky of the “Reel Determined” and Captain Ray Lopez of the “Miss Liane” will be donating their time on June 3 to participate in a fishing event for “Project Healing Waters.” Sponsored by the Holiday Beach Club in Waretown, this is a day of fishing for injured veterans. Both captains are to be commended for their efforts to pay back to those who have served our country.