Absecon Bay Fishing Report

Fishing Report for 07/05/2010

Rating: Good (4/5)
The "back bay" area of Atlantic City is a pretty large fishery. It is accessible from the Gardner's Basin area, or Absecon Inlet from the sea, and I'm sure from other places as well. I spent a good 4 hours working Absecon Bay, as well as the various coves, channels, and stretches of open water that exists between various small, grassy islands. None of the water seems to be above 3' or so, and is thus accessible small water craft. But watch out for the obnoxious speedboaters in the area. The fluke/flounder in this area had been over-fished so keeper limits were raised from 12" to 18" in recent years. Needless to say, near the banks of the various grassy islands and in the channels there's loads of 2nd and 3rd year flounder. In the middle of Absecon Bay there's three large sticks extending out of the water approximately 8'. I suspect this is some sort of unofficial marker placed by locals to indicate a wreck or some similar structure. Fishing was fairly productive along the edge of this triangle. I'd advise using some sort of stout rod... 4' or 5', medium-heavy to heavy action with 20 lbs test. I was using a swivel with a 3oz weight and a leader with live minnows. Sliced mackerel was used with lesser effect. Let the line fall to the bottom and bob it up and down. If you feel a slight tug, reel it in and clear off the sea weed and drop it again. When the fish hits, you'll know it. You may end up with a sea robbin or a small sand shark this way as well. I'd rate this a 5, except there's a small number of keepers. In another year or two this will probably change.

Temperature: 99 °F
Water Level: +3 feet
Wind Speed: 5 mph