Patrick Sebile stopped by the shop last week (6/6/18) and made a special delivery. He hand delivered the new Ocean Born Lures. The Ocean Born Flying Series Popper and Pencil are finally here. Check out these certified fish killers today… Ocean Born Lures!

About Patrick Sebile

Ocean Born Lures by A Band Of Anglers is a fairly new and unknown company from the world’s top lure mastermind, Patrick Sebile. Most in the fishing world know Patrick Sebile. For those who don’t… He is one of the world’s best lure designers and anglers. Well known for traveling the world and fishing hard, to date Patrick recorded catching 776 species of fish. He’s held records all around the world including many IGFA records. Through traveling Patrick studies different predator game fish, forage (bait) and experiences diverse fishing situations.

With his deep knowledge Patrick started Sebile Innovative Fishing. Renown for tournament and award winning fishing lures, Sebile is the only brand to ever make a clean sweep of the lure categories at the top three tackle trade shows in the same year.

Sebile introduced to the world the Magic Swimmer and the Stick Shadd (among many other unique and very productive lures). For us in the northeast saltwater market, these two lures downright revolutionized the saltwater lure market. From inshore to offshore these lures changed the game. For anyone who has not fished them, I strongly suggest giving them a few casts. They’ll quickly become one of your top producers. There’s a lot to be said about each of these however that’s for another blog post.

Pure Fishing purchased Sebile Innovative Fishing in 2011. Eventually, Patrick left the company in 2017 and less than a year later… he’s back making lures. This is where the real story begins…

A Band Of Anglers

With passion for fishing and deep understanding of fish and hydrodynamics, Patrick confidently founded A Band Of Anglers. Patrick said it best, “A Band Of Anglers is a team of anglers who all understand the facets of fishing and the industry. Most of all they all share a love of the sport.” This team made Ocean Born Lures and they have lots of new and exciting fishing related items coming. For now we’ll introduce the new Ocean Born Lures.

Ocean Born Lures

Ocean Born Lures by Patrick Sebile’s A Band Of Anglers are real deal fishing lures dedicated to powerful saltwater game fish. Built with the utmost attention to detail these lures offer the best action, strength and quality craftsmanship. Using top quality hardware (split rings, treble hooks) these lures are ready to fish right out of the package. Best of all these lures are priced right offering anglers a solid value. Can’t beat a custom style plug at $20.

Ocean Born Flying Series

The Ocean Born Lures Flying Series is based around the fundamental principle, you can’t catch fish if you can’t reach them. The lures in this series feature a huge leap forward in lure design, optimized to be the ultimate long cast fishing lures. The unique side wings enhance aerodynamics which maximizes casting ability and these wings give the lure lift once in the water.  The specialty belly ribs reduce air resistance on the cast and they add turbulence in the water during the retrieve. Another key feature that was not over looked was action. As with all of Patrick’s lures the swimming/ popping action is spot on!

“The field testing has been unreal!” Patrick reports, “These lures are loved by stripers!”

Ocean Born Flying Popper

The Ocean Born Flying Popper fishing lure is a classic shape with Patrick’s custom modifications. The narrow neck design (commonly referred to as a “Polaris” or “Little Neck Popper”) is known for its great casting ability and versatility working in nearly all conditions (rough water and sweeping current) day and night. With the Flying Popper you can pop, skip or walk it.

Available in one size 5 1/2″ and three different weighed models; floating (FL-2oz), sinking (SK-2 3/4oz) and super long distance (SLD-4oz). The SK and SLD are best in windy conditions and also shine as a sub surface swimmer when fished with a slow cadence. These models swim with action much like a bibbed or lipped swimming plug. This versatility make the sinking versions a must have! Check out the Ocean Born Flying Popper Here

Ocean Born Flying Pencil

The Ocean Born Flying Pencil is Patrick Sebile’s take on the Pencil Popper. All along the Striper Coast, year after year lots of big fish fall for pencils.  One of the most efficient long distance casting lures, pencil poppers, are well known for raising fish on slow days. Designed to resemble an injured bait fish skipping across the surface, Pencil Poppers dance on top with sass. They cover lots of water and work great in all conditions. Primarily day time lures, they are a great wake up call at first light and also get the attention of picky fish.

Available in one size 6 1/3″ and three different weighed models; floating (FL-2 1/2oz), sinking (SK-3oz) and super long distance (SLD-4 1/2oz). Choose the FL for most common conditions; however, stet up to the SK and SLD on windy days. The SLD is a must have when fishing big water with heavy winds. Check out the Ocean Born Flying Pencil Here

Coming Soon At Ocean Born

With one of the most creative minds in the fishing industry at the helm, be on the look out for more innovation on the radar. Right now it’s Ocean Born Lure Flying Series Poppers and Pencils, but the team is growing the brand with lots of new things in the works. Soon the Series will have new additions like the a spook (Flying Crusher), a darter (Flying Darter) and a bottle plug (Flying Swimplug). We are also looking to these as well as future products like softbaits and rods, possibly more! It’s all in the pipeline! Stay Tuned!!!

This report update has a variety of positive fishing info from back bay to surf and inshore to offshore. Anglers of all ages got out and enjoyed the water in celebration of National Fishing and Boating Week. Who actually knew a thing existed? In our book everyday is National Fishing Day! Even though the nationally recognized week is over, it is a great time to introduce friends and family to the fun sport of fishing.

Positive reports off the surf themed around fluke, blues, black drum, striped bass and kingfish.

Torr Cohen got this healthy 31″ striped bass off the surf. He reported, “Persistence pays off!”

The amazing piano man Paul P of the LBI Fishing Club was in the shop this morning for bait. He reported, “This spring has been good. So far I have eight bass to date. My last outing both bass and blues were hitting just about every bait.”

Steve P fished the mid-island surf yesterday afternoon. He reported, “Bass, Blues, Bunker!”

Store staffer Frezza says, “Fluke are in the surf; north, mid and south end beaches are all producing. Most of the fish are shorts but if you find the right cut, keepers will be had.”

@jhbdpw shared, “Flounder are out and about today (weekend report). Just can’t seem to catch one over 18 inches.”

On the fluke front most anglers are targeting the backwater’s, sod banks, main thorougfares as well as the rolling open bottom of the bays. Seems like a new wave of fish arrive this past week as the reports have picked size wise. Some reporting limits with occasional 3-4 and 6 pound fluke. Most of the action is on bucktails tipped with Gulp. By far our two best sellers are Magic Tail Tear Drop Bucktails and Spro Prime Bucktails.

New to the scene, Magictail’s Squid Hoochie Jigs are turning heads out producing some classic jigs. In new product testing they were responsible for quality catches and pool winnings. These hot new jigs feature big eyes and the right shape and balance for best action. The super sharp and strong hooks are perfect for rigging with Gulp or natural bait for both fluke and sea bass.. Their silicone skirt (no hair) and long glow trailer tail are secrete suducers. Soon after this summer’s fluke tournaments they will be main stream. You heard it here first!

The classic school of flounder pounders fishing the live bait route (spot, minnows) have experienced difficulty. Not catching fish, but finding bait. So far this year both of these baits have been very hard to get. Late weekend (Sunday evening) we got a nice deliver of the season’s first good size minnows. We didn’t get a ton so they sold fast. We are hoping for another delivery soon.

David DiGangi send in this recent back bay fishing report, “Got a 22 pound black drum and 15 fluke, two keepers.”

Inshore Sea Bass Fishing

The Carolyn Ann III had The Boy Scouts Pack 61 aboard Sunday. Rain or shine, the Scouts had a great time. These kids don’t mess around. It was all about fishing for this gang!” More tackle boxes and less Xboxes.

With the inshore waters are full of sandeels with game fish like bass, blues, fluke and sea bass gorging on them. Diamond jigs are working their magic. Anglers working the inshore structure enjoy a good jig bites with the seabass loving diamond jigs.

Striped Bass Fishing

The local early June striped bass is much slower than recently years. Usually we have bunker stacked up and stretch along the beaches. This year is much different. The westerly wind pattern just never came together.

With the June New Moon upon us it’s still time for trophy striped. The few fish that are being caught in the boat are really good ones!

Peter Cichon reported, “Gina Gambogi caught this 49″ monster striped bass trolling off of IBSP out in 60 feet of water this weekend.”

High Point Striper Shootout Results

The 11th Annual High Point Striper Shootout went down this past weekend. The fishing tournament had 53 boats entered. Jason “J-Bird” Marti (one of the key tournament organizers) summed up the event saying, “Another great year with one hell of a fun time! Slow fishing with only 24 fish total (11 striped bass, 13 bluefish) but everyone had a great time at the party. Thanks again for the support.” We spoke to a few of the anglers who fished it and they all agreed the part that High Point puts out is second to none! Here’s the final results…

First Place – 32.9# Captain Mark Finelli aboard the Laura
Second Place – 16.2# Captain Mike Green aboard the Luckey Stripes
Third Place – 11# Captain Kevin Schmidt aboard the Bonnie Ann

Top Lady Angler – 10.5# Katherine Nutt
Jr Angler – 9.8# Bebe Finelli

Congrats to all the anglers who fished and placed. We spoke to Captain Mark Finelli after the tournament to congratulate him on the win. He said, “IT was a tough day. We picked at keeper fish all day. Fortunately we got the right bite and capitalized. After years fishing these bass tournaments… finally got the win! Anyone looking to get out aboard Laura Sportfishing for fluke, sea bass or striped bass should call (P: 8563416562) and book a trip with Captain Mark!

Offshore Is Hot

Recent reports from the edge all have one thing in common. The Bluewater fishing is red hot right now. It’s great to get into the action as well as hear all the positive reports. Let’s keep this going all season long!

A few days ago we geared up Dave Simcoe and his son for their first offshore trip of the year. Some help rigging, setting up reels, correcting some issues and loading up with tackle. It all was for the better! They stopped in today and shared the results. “We got covered up in big eyes. A Wolfpack came up and piled on. We landed two out of the four and left us in shambles. It was a great trip with lake like conditions on the ride in.”

The Reel Fishers Scott, Dylan and Friends were out fishing offshore this weekend for their first canon trip of the year. They reported, “The trip was a success! Can’t wait to get back to the edge!”

The guys aboard the Jersey Nuts were recently in the shop gearing up. We loaded ’em up with Baitmaster Ballyhoo. They went out and filled the boat!

Offshore Baits: Ballyhoo, Squid, Sardines, Butterfish +

Any one looking for offshore bait… stop in. We’ll hook you up. We’ve got a great supply of premium winter caught offshore baits from Baitmaster’s, the best name in big game bait. With ballyhoo from small, medium, and large to squid (beautiful trolling squids and swordfish deep drop baits), split tail mullet, Spanish mackerel as well as super hard to find flying fish. We also have professionally rigged baits for beginner anglers as well as those that are on a time crunch. We are also loaded up on flats of whole chunk baits like sardines, butterfish and mackerel as well as buckets of chum for sharking.

Speaking of sharking… a few customers in the shop reported the shark bite inshore was non existent this weekend, “The water is too cold.” You got to get out to the edge to find water in the mid 60’s. Everything inside has been chilly in the high 50’s to about 60. Anyday new warmer water should move it.

We had a pair of nice fluke weighed in today from Aaron Allison of the Village Harbour Fishing Club. Fishing the Barnegat Bay aboard the Crying Crabber they fooled two really good fish with a bucktail/Gulp combo. One 4.78 and one six pounder.

Store staffer Kelley was on the surf this morning getting his fluke on. He caught about 10 shorts but didn’t manage a keeper. He reported lots of shorts as well as some keepers by other anglers. Kelley mentioned one guy got a big tog that he released because season is closed.

Daniel Whitcraft Jr sent in this report, “My friend Dave and I fished the bay and did ok catching rays and sharks. I caught an 18″ fluke on an 8/0 circle hook with a big chunk of bunker. :-)”

Some sand tigers are showing up! Prime time ghetto sharking is getting close.

Save The Date

Here’s some upcoming fishing tournaments….

The 21st Annual Sunshine Foundation Fishing Tournament hosted by the Southern Ocean Chapter is Saturday July 7, 2018 at the American Legion Post 493. Entry Fee is $70 per boat, Early Entry $60 (Paid By July 1, 2018). Captain’s Meeting is Friday July 6th at the Legion

Two great long running tournaments, The Greater Atlantic Bluefish Tournament (GABT – 31st Annual) and the Ladies Invitational Bluefish Tournament (LIBT – 34th Annual) are now one, honoring John Dunn who passed away earlier this year. The John Dunn Memorial Fishing Tournament is a one day event on June 30, 2018. Entry fee is $150 for the boat division and $75 for the surf or kayak division. Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place (single heaviest fish) for striped bass, bluefish and flounder in both the boat and kayak/surf division. Captain’s Meeting is Friday June 29th 7pm at the American Legion Post 493. Fish 6am-2pm, Weigh In 2pm-4pm Saturday June 30, 2018.

TGIF – Thank God It’s Friday! Here’s the Long Beach Island NJ fishing report update for Friday June 8th. The first full week of June turned out to be a good one. Fishing as a whole is strong with great reports from all the local waters; back bay, from shore, inshore and offshore.

Back Bay Fishing Report

The bay is chock full of fluke. Small striped bass and blues also offer great fun for light tackle enthusiast. Crabbing started early and continues with the best reports from the bay’s west side.

Rick the Fishing Musician came out for the encore today and kicked off the weekend right. He caught a 21″ three pound fluke fishing the bayside today. Rick fooled the fluke fishing slow and low on the outgoing tide with a Gulp Jerk Shad rigged on a jig head.

Store staffer Max recently fished the bay and did well. He said, “The area I wanted to fish was loaded with grass. It was tough. I had to adapt and work through it. The Tom Scibek Floating Jig Heads was the solution. Rig it on a dropper loop about 12-18″ up above a dipsey sinker for a near weedless approach.”

Ron Hart stopped by today with a pair of nice fluke fishing Gulp in the bay. One was 21″ and the other was 24″ going 5.14 pounds.

From Shore – LBI Surf Fishing

Some nice weighs from the surf today and a number of good reports.

Tim Daly of Manahawkin weighed in a 37″ 19.35 pound striped bass. He caught the fish off of the mid-island surf fishing fresh Fish Heads bunker at about 10am.

Anthony Aloi of New City New York caught a cow fishing the surf last night. Fishing the night shift on the mid-island surf Anthony got a good bite at about 10pm. Turned out to be a hoss! 46″ 38.3 pound bass.

Henry from Ship Bottom got a kingfish on the beach today fishing bunker off the mid island surf.  Yesterday his father-in-law had a nice striped bass fishing the water.

The Battle on the Beach – High School Fishing Tournament

The 10th Annual Southern Rams High School Surf Fishing Tournament the “Battle On The Beach” was this past Thursday June 7, 2018 (4-7pm) on the Barnegat Light Beach. The annual contest between local Ocean County high schools was a success with over 40 student anglers fishing between four teams. Surf conditions were calm with clean water and a mild south easterly wind. A majority of the fish caught were blues and fluke. The high hooks for Southern were Freddy Farina and Cam Conrad. Both seniors each caught a half dozen targeted game fish.

We would like to thank the LBI Fall Surf Fishing Classic, Fisherman Headquarters, The Barnegat Light Heavers and other local tackle shops for their support. The local fishing clubs are looking forward to the summer.

~ Jason Hoch

Inshore Fishing Report

Striped bass and sea bass are the name of the game inshore.

Early June is well known for trophy striped and today a couple big bass were caught in the boat today.

Mike Nini and Cole Cronin got into some nice ones fishing today out of Barnegat Light. It was the boat’s first trip out since back from the Florida Keys. They headed up the beach and marked some fish. Went on the troll and got big on a Magic Tail Mojo! They also dropped a good fish. They reported, “On the deck of the boat the fish was coughing up squid. We laid her on top of the cooler before letting her go and she had about 8″ at least on the 46″ cooler. Fish was a monster!”

Robbie Vallone was on the Carolyn Ann III today and reported good sea bass fishing. Robbie said, “The jig bite was good. I got seven keepers and another anglers got the same. We were the two high hooks but didn’t get the pool. The pool winner was a

Offshore Big Game Fishing

The solid early season offshore fishing continues. Reports from the edge have been great. Days ago a section of water came into the Toms. Some boats got on it and produced. It slid down into the Lindy and things broke wide open. The water continues to move south lighting up the Spencer and soon if not already will be in the Wilmington. Any quick look at social media will turn up some awesome fishing photos from recent days.

Lots of great fishing! Now’s the time to gear up and Go Go Go!!!

Yellowfin, Bluefin, Bigeyes, Makos, Mahi and Golden Tilefish.

I got the invite from Jeff & Ilan of the Reel Innovation, “Wanna head offshore?” In a second, I jumped in on the opportunity. We broke the BL Inlet at 10pm Wednesday night and headed to the deep. We were shocked to find the inshore water from the Inlet almost all the way to the edge was 56-58 degrees. [Only a few days earlier the waters in the 30-40 fathom area was in the mid to upper 60’s and holding fish (makos and bluefin). The north east blow must have pushed it further south.] Once we pulled into the promise land it took a little bit to find the right water (69 degrees) but when we did lots of life was there. Minutes after stopping the boat squid were in the lights. Marking fish we dropped some baits and I tried jigging for a little bit but no bites.  We switched gears and go prep’d for the grey light troll. Some other boats fishing the area picked a few fish at first light but for us the first bite (one small mahi) did come until about 6:30-7am.

Shortly after the mahi things came alive! The rest of the day was full of action. At times the bite was very consistent making for fun mayhem in the cockpit. Doubles, triples… at one time we had 8 clickers screaming with fish airing out on every lure/bait in the spread. We found the bite to be best on splash bars (spreaderbars) and Joe Shute dressed ballyhoo.

Everyone aboard had a great time enjoying the full day of canyon fishing fun. Captain Jeff reports,” It’s great to see the incredible fishing continue. Our day troll trip was nothing short of incredible! Lots of good action today for Reel Innovations ending the trip with 22 yellowfin and six bluefin.

Dante from Magictail Bucktails was also aboard and shared this report, ” I had the privilege to fish aboard the 58′ Viking “Reel Innovations”  with Captain Jeff, owner Ilan, first mate Dan and Greg from Fish Heads. Catching a half dozen bluefins and then smoking twenty plus yellowfin in short order. The food was amazing thanks to Ilan Master Angler & Iron Chef! With a full course breakfast, lunch and dinner we ate like kings.”

Thanks Ilan & Jeff again for the invite and the great trip!

We had lots of anglers in the shop today gearing up for bluewater advnetures. From rods to reel to line to lures to top quality Baitmaster Ballyhoo we are fully stocked and ready to help you prepare for your next trip.

Some anglers in the shop shared reports from their recetn trips. All were very positive. One report spoke of heavy boat traffic today but still plenty of fish on the chew. We got wind of a good big eye bite one boat got into.

Here’s an offshore report from Ryan Dellane. “First offshore trip of the season. We went 86 miles out on a 25′ single engin center console. Yeah we are crazy. Lots of life out there. Got into a hot yellowfin bite on the troll. Great day on the water with friends.”

The Carolyn Ann III party boat fishing out of Barnegat Light reported good fishing yesterday. “That short northeast storm really helped the sea bass fishing. Tuesday’s trip we had two guys with limits and a few groups who are going to have a great fish fry tonight.  It was a good day of fishing today. Come join us!”

Chris Masino stopped in the shop yesterday evening to pick up some things.  While here he reported good fishing on the surf, “There’s blues in along the beach feeding on chunks. In the morning there were lots of bait but out of casting range.”

John Larue sent in a couple photos and this report, “Had some great fishing up north. We crushed the bass on poppers and jigs.”

High Point Striper Shootout

Next weekend is the 11th Annual High Point Striper Shootout! Now’s the time to gear up and prepare for what we expect to be a awesome weekend of fishing! Captain’s meeting is Friday June 8th at 7pm. For more information go to www.HPVFC.com

National Fishing & Boating Week

This week is National Fishing and Boating Week. As most know fishing and boating is fun, stress relieving activity that you can enjoy with family and friends anytime. Now’s the time to enjoy yourself on the water. Be sure to bring a friend or family member to introduce them to the world of fun.

Some fish on the beach today. Here’s a report sent in from Scott Shirey…

Dirty water with lots of grass today on the mid-island surf. I chunked Fish Heads Bunker. The rip was strong and couldn’t hold bottom, so I walked the bait down the beach. The fish were there, though, on the last of the incoming. This big gator, a smaller 26” blue, and a 26” bass, along with a couple missed hits.

With a strong blow upon us, most boats are tied up. It’s great for gear work, repairs and preparation so everything is in order. It’s also a perfect time to put your feet up and relax, but not if you’re a surf rats. A good north east blow means go time!

Mike Ambrosio is one of those. “The wind was howling, the sand was blasting and the current was ripping!” Mike hit the beach and caught a big bluefish, “Thanks Fish Heads for the fresh bunker. It was windy as a mo’fo’ but I found a way!”

Looking back on the days leading up to the blow, local fishing was good with a steady pick of striped bass and bluefish on the surf. Anglers both fishing bait and lures caught fish. Reports came in from the entire stretch of LBI with no one particular spot stealing the spot light.

As the waters warms surf sharking will kick off. We’ve already heard about the season’s first sand tigers. Due to their liking for cool water temperatures, they show first. Shortly after the brownies make an appearance.

Big Game Fishing Report

Speaking of sharking… June offers excellent inshore shark fishing. The month is off to a great start with some positive reports flowing in.

Jeff Thummel fished with Mike Kulinski and posted, “Great day sharking!!! 200+ pound mako, 160 pound mako, six blue sharks and a brown shark. All released.”

Daniel Rosetto (@rosettostone) reported fishing out of Forked River with Captain Tom Crespo on his new Buddy Davis “Off The Hook”. Dan reported, “Successfully hooked up and safely released a great size mako offshore yesterday. Too bad they have to be 83″ this year to kill. What an amazing fight! It jumped ten feet out of the water when hooked. It lives another day, big thanks to Captain Tom for the invite.”

While on the topic of big game fishing… Summer means one thing to blue water anglers, Prime Time! The waters are already producing so the stage is set for a great season.

Captain Jeff of Reel Innovations Sportfishing returned from the edge and reports, ” Bigeyes! Yellowfin! Another solid trip for the Reel Innovation. We enjoyed steady action on the short day troll with spreader bars getting it done.”

Captain Deane and Mike aboard the Canyon Runner report, “26 bluefin tuna with two at 52″, two yellowfin as well as a trolled mako and a mahi.”

Near Shore Boat Fishing Report

The Beach Haven Marlin Tuna Club hosted their Spring Striped Bass & Bluefish Tournament this weekend. Here’s the results… 20 boats/52 anglers fished. Congrats to the winners!

Striped Bass
1) 39.42  Jason Marti – OB1
2) 39.22  Mike Greene – Lucky Stripes
3) 38.5  Paul Riker – Rebait

Bluefish
1) 6.44  Bill Figley – Red Herring
2) 4.96  Calli Casey – Dirty Martuna
3) 4.2  Ron Roshelli – UNO

Captain Ken Nutt aboard the Striper got 48 pound bass yesterday.

Magictail’s Dante Soriente shared some awesome news, “Just got wind of the 6th reported 50 plus pound striped bass this spring on Magictail products.”Magictail is the real deal! They are well know for catching fish and really big ones at that!

High Point Striper Shootout

Next weekend is the 11th Annual High Point Striper Shootout! Now’s the time to geear up and prepare for what we expect to be a awesome weekend of fishing! Captain’s meeting is Friday June 8th at 7pm. For more information go to www.HPVFC.com

After closing out May with fishing on the slower side our expectations are high for this new month. We welcome June with open arms.

The local surf fishing off the surf has been slow and steady. Nothing spectacular but anglers are picking fish. Striped bass, bluefish and black drum are in the suds.

Todd Luyber got this 33″ bass yesterday plugging the surf. Todd reported, “It went for old reliable,  yellow/black Daiwa SP Minnow. I dropped another fish too.”

Chris Masino caught a 30″ bluefish yesterday off the surf.

Kristi Reillo Cooper got a bluefish on the South End surf at 10 am. She reported, “Got a bite on first cast. Then hooked up on second cast. Only two bites of the day.”

Chris Colasante weighed in a black drum today. 29.5 pounds 39″ 26″ girth. He caught it off the mid island surf on clam.

Bayside fluke fishing is strong. Anglers are on them, some doing very well catching their limit.

Joe Pongonis of High Bar Harbor stopped in today with a nice fluke. He got a 26″ 6.16 pound fluke. He was fishing bay with bait, squid and spearing.

I had Brain aboard Fish Head Charters this morning for a light tackle trip striped bass – bluefish charter. The first hour was very slow but things picked up as the morning went on. We had cocktail blues in the 1-5 pound range chasing lures. After having fun with them, we tried to switch gears. The intel from up the beach was poor so we stayed in the bay. A short attempt at the flats only turned up one small bass. We looked around some more but couldn’t find much. Ended up finishing the trip working some more blues.

Beach Haven Charter Association Weekly Report

by Jim Hutchinson Sr.

Memorial Day has come and gone at the Jersey shore, and, despite some nasty weather, anglers were out on the water catching fish. The one big factor on the fishing scene was the variety of fish caught by the boats of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association (BHCFA).

In the ocean big striped bass were trolled up while black sea bass were biting on the inshore wrecks and reefs. Meanwhile in the bay waters good catches of summer flounder and bluefish were happening.

Captain Brett Taylor of “Reel Reaction Sportfishing” put his anglers on both striped bass and fluke. He had Art Diebel and son Bruce out for some striper action. Bruce is a 7th grader who caught his first ever striper along with some feisty bluefish. On another trip, Alison Mack with her brother Jon and 10 year old boys Eoghan and Rogan did some fluke fishing. Using bucktails they boated over 30 fish with 3 keepers to take home. Rogan also caught a short striped bass.

Captain Carl Sheppard fished the “Star Fish” for fluke on Friday and black sea bass on Saturday. Captain Carl had five keeper fluke out of a total of 12 caught. He found moving baits working the best. On Saturday he looked for striped bass and then turned to black sea bass. The stripers were scarce but he found enough sea bass to keep his fishermen happy.

Additional information on the boats of the BHCFA can be found at www.BHCFA.net.

Some nice bass on the beach. Coming out of the full moon we expect fishing to kick back into gear.

Store staffer Steve-o got a nice bass last night. He was chunking fresh bunker off the surf.

John the local UPS man is enjoying his vacation. He got this twenty pound bass off the surf on bunker.