Capt Alex’s Report

It was great seeing a sold out crowd Saturday for the Saltwater Sportsmen National Seminar Series. I’m almost dead center, back row, in the below picture. Hope I shared some helpful tips. If you missed it I said “lets make sandworms great again” 😉 in talking about a go to striper bait through the seasons. Don’t know why bloods became more popular around Barnegat Bay. In the old days……….we would not go bass fishing if we only could get bloodworms. Waz up wit dat?

2017-sws-panel

Tried perch fishing Sunday at dusk at a local hole. Using live shrimp I did not move a fish but I fished during blowout conditions. I know the fish will be there when I come back. Hoping for another world class spring run of monster blues in the bay. Ten pound + blues in 2 feet of water crashing poppers or flies was a blast the past two years. I will be ready if you are. just give me a call. 609-548-2511 Screaming drags, Capt. Alex Lighthouse Sportfishing

BHCFA Winter Report

Although there are still a few weeks before spring arrives at the New Jersey shore, the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association have been busy readying their boats and gear while also re-charging their own batteries.

Captain Raymond Lopez of “Miss Liane Sportfishing Charters” has been busy refurbishing the props, preforming routine engine maintenance, and upgrading the audio system on his boat. In addition, the vessel also passed the voluntary UPV inspection through the USCG. Any rods and reels in need of refurbishing have been taken care of by professionals.

Captain Pete Doran of “Mud Duck Sportfishing” is a new member of the BHCFA. The “Mud Duck” is a 48′ Garlington docked in Morrison’s Marina and will be running mostly offshore trips. Besides sandblasting the bottom, Captain Peter outfitted the boat with new outriggers and refrigeration.

Captain Lindsay Fuller had his usual maintenance work done on the “June Bug” at her winter home in Manteo, NC. He plans to do some fishing there before bringing the boat north. Captain Lindsay has had his rods and reels professionally serviced along with making some improvements on the reel seats.

Captain Carl Sheppard reports the “Star Fish” is getting its “usual spring TLC.” He is planning on splashing the boat in early April with Coast Guard inspections coming shortly after. By the middle of April he expects to be fishing. The inspections include engines, lights, steering, navigation, lifesaving, medical supplies, and much more including a “man overboard” drill.

Captain John Lewis of the “Insatiable” and his wife spent a month in Islamorada in the Florida Keys. Captain John says he did quite a bit of fishing including landing his first ever sailfish. He also had several good days of yellowtail fishing. He has several boat deliveries lined up and is looking forward to a successful fishing season in Beach Haven.

Captains from the association have been joined at several fishing flea markets and shows by members of their Junior Mates program spreading news of the BHCFA. The junior mates will be at Booth 726 this weekend at the Atlantic City Boat Show. The teens invite all to stop by and say hello.

Information on the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association can be found at www.BHCFA.net.

~ Jim Hutchinson Sr.

AC Boat Show Striped Bass Seminar

I hope everybody has enjoyed a very mild winter for our region which should translate into some early Striped Bass action. I’m putting some finishing touches on the vessel for the 2017 season and will have it serviced over the next couple weeks so that it’s ready for an early splash. It’s tentatively looking mid to end of March. Fluke season is up in the air as we are waiting to see if the state of NJ will comply or not comply with federal recommendations/mandates. It looks as it will either be 18in or 19in minimum, but would could really stink is a reduced season in terms of days. Regardless, I’m still prepping the light-tackle Fluke gear for some of the fantastic backbay action in that occurs every May & June. I have made several upgrades over the winter season, including a bunch of brand new Penn Spinfisher V 4500s added to our arsenal. Fisherman’s HQ has them in stock – great reels for the price!!

The Atlantic City Boat show starts next week (March 1 through March 5) and I will be presenting a 1 hour seminar on Striped Bass fishing on March 3, 2017 at 4pm, so hope to see some of you there.

We are only a few months away from the arrival of our migratory Striped Bass, and I already have a couple dates booked in May. If interested in booking a charter, book through the website (www.reelreactioncharters.com), or call/text 609-290-7709 . As always, we use the highest quality gear and everything is included all gear, tackle, fish-cleaning, and ICE – it’s “no worries” fishing. Just come aboard and FISH.

Capt. Brett Taylor
Reel Reaction Sportfishing LLC
www.reelreactioncharters.com
cell: 609-290-7709

Spring is here!

The calendar doesn’t agree, but all of the signs say so. In the air, on the ground and in the water!!! The unseasonable warmth has things popping up. As of late anglers are dusting off their gear and taking to the water. Why not capitalize on the beautiful weather and winter hold overs?
While some enjoy picking at the linesiders all winter long this warm weather really has the masses out and about. While the spots are busy, the local boys are having a blast with talk about “stellar fishing, bass on almost every cast and endless doubles.” The good news is these fish have been here all winter and more will show as time goes on. There’s plenty of small bass on the chew. Take a look at the 10 day, the weather looks to stay mild for a good stretch of time.
Just a heads up both tog and porgy fishing close on Feb 28th. Tog re-opens April 1st with a four fish bag limit at 15 inches. Porgy aka Scup does not re-open until July 1st.
Winter flounder season is basically here, opening March 1st with two fish at 12″. A week or two ago, we got some solid reports from commercial fike netters who had a couple days of great catches. Both size and quality so it’s proof that some nice flatties are around. The commercial fike net season closed on Feb 20th so now it’s time for the recreational rod and reel guys. Over the years it has been best to start out in the deep bay (near the bridges) then work out towards the inlets as time goes on and the waters warm. This year should be interesting to find out where they are holding with the unseasonable warm weather.
On the bait side of things, we have frozen clam, freeze dried worms (blood & sands) as well as clam chum. We do not have live bloodworms and we do not have live clam. The availability date is unknown.

Custom Rigging

Whether spooling up big game reels, ultra light outfits or specialty fly setups we cater to your demands offering custom rigging options! Please contact us and let us know what you need done. All inquiries welcome.  

Here’s a photo of Local angler Joe Nodine from Forked River who rigged up at Fishermans Hq in prep for headed to Andros Islands in the Bahamas. He is having a blast catching bonefish on the fly. 🌴 🐟 ☀️ 👍

What an awesome weekend

This weekend was one to remember!

Saturday was Surf Day X and it was the best one yet with record attendance. We had a blast at the show meeting everyone. It’s great so see and talk to all of the people who make up the core surf fishing industry all under one roof. For those that attended and shopped at our booth thank you. We enjoyed being there and talking to everyone. From what we were told the seminars were awesome. Wish we could watch them, but there’s too much shopping mayhem at our tables to walk away. For those who have thought about going and didn’t… you missed out. Be sure to attend next year if for nothing else then the seminars. If you want to get peak inside surf day check out our Surf Day Live on our Facebook page.

Today (Sunday) was a treat! The beautiful weather had everyone thinking SPRING! I spent most of the day in the driveway unpacking from Surf Day. I could not have asked for a better day. The number of classic cars and motorcycles passing by was impressive!

On the fishing side of things… We had lots of customer in the shop and while most were gearing up in prep for spring there were a number who were going fishing. Why not take advantage of the awesome day? Most took clams to soak on the beach, but no reports came back. The only game in town is the early season hot spot which is technically off limits until March 1st. Kinda shocking that it’s only a few days away!

Fishermans Hq ambassador Jeff Warford headed down to the OBX Wednesday night to take advantage of a good weather window. He fished Friday, Saturday and Sunday out of Oregon Inlet. Over the three days the boat he fished on caught 5 bluefin and 7 yellowfin tuna. Friday morning we got two. All day Saturday was dead and made for a long slow day, but a bite late in the day made it worth it. Today (Sunday) they got two at dawn and then another on as the day went on.” Jeff said, The fish were spread out. There’s good numbers down there and when they settle in… it’s gonna tee off.” Be ready for March Madness!!!