Fall has arrived in full force for the captains and boat of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association. This means that every day can be a different experience.
We have already had a severe nor’easter that completely shut down fishing. Then a pair of summerlike days came along. Fishing wise, the days following the storm were pretty much just calming things down and captains getting a handle on where the fish are.
The 2026 New Jersey summer flounder season expired in the midst of the storm while the fall edition of black sea bass arrived. It has taken a day or so for things to calm down, but these tasty bottom fish have started to pick up their appetites.
The jury is still out regarding the fish that are typically in the bay waters during the summer. Various panfish such as croakers and blowfish along with small bluefish should still be in the inshore and bay waters.
Fall is typically the top time of the year to get into action offshore on tuna. These big game fish are not only great sport to land on rod and reel, but they are also some of the best eating fish to be found. The offshore trips are subject to favorable weather, including calm seas.
The captains of the Beach Haven Charter fishing Association already have a heavy schedule of fall trips on their calendars, but there are always openings. In addition to scheduling well in advance, one method of chartering a boat and captain, is taking a look at long range weather forecasts.
When you see a forecasted stretch of good weather conditions, try giving your favorite captain a call. If that forecasted good weather coincides with an open date for the captain, you may be set for a day of good fishing.