The extended period of strong northeast winds finally ended last weekend with some typical fall weather arriving for the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association. Unfortunately for those who bottom fish the inshore wrecks and reefs, the fluke season has ended and the black sea bass season will not be opening again for a couple of weeks. Fortunately, there were some other alternatives.

Captain Gary Dugan of Irish Jig Sportfishing decided to see what other fish might be found around the wrecks. He reports finding some “drop and reel” fishing with all the bluefish he wanted, some huge sea bass that had to be released, and all the banded rudderfish his anglers could catch. In addition they took home a big triggerfish.

After two weeks of postponing and canceling charters because of the winds at the canyons, Captain Bob Gerkens of the “Hot Tuna” finally found a weather window last Sunday. He and his crew headed out looking for tuna. However, the “Hot Tuna” and other boats fishing the southern canyons were unable to locate tuna while struggling with thick weed that made trolling a challenge. Mate Dante Soriente suggested they jig and chunk the various lobster pots on the canyon edges with light equipment to get some fish for the fish box. This resulted in a banner day of 34 mahi-mahi, some of which were over 20-pounds. The split charter crew consisted of Hot Tuna regulars Shawn Hawthorne, Chris Martin, Joe Damato, and Ryan and Al Parker.

Additional information on the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association can be found at www.BHCFA.org.