Absecon Creek has been undergoing some major “renovations,” and improvement projects at two entirely separate locations along the creek are finally coming to fruition after several years of careful planning.
First, the body of water known affectionately to locals as the “swim pond” is being completely revamped. As recently as the 1980s, when the tide flooded into the concrete-contoured basin, a sluice gate would drop down and retain the water so that people could pay a small fee and go swimming. Truly unique? Yes. Truly crumbling into complete disrepair over more recent decades? Yes, that too.
At that location, the sluice barrier is being completely removed, a new retaining wall added along the Turner Avenue edge and appealing walkways installed. Two boat ramps designed specifically for small, non-motorized watercraft only will be put in place at the site. A crabbing and fishing pier will take the spot of the sluice gate; however, it will still afford an opening for craft to move in and out of the swim pond from Absecon Creek. The average depth of the swim pond is 2 to 4 at mean low tide, yet many species of juvenile fish swim into the nursery area, particularly during summer months. Anglers sporting bloodworms, grass shrimp, minnows and small cut baits regularly encounter respectable action from white perch, croakers and spots.
Small throwback-sized fluke, stripers, sea bass and even tautog make their way into the confines. Rarely, have I seen or heard of a keeper, but the youngsters show up nonetheless. In addition, peanut bunker and mullet swim and swirl their way into the small bay during the summer providing cast net opportunities. Lastly, blue claw crabs delight families looking to score a few for dinner with easy access, and comfortable trap pitching perches will be provided. The best time to fish or crab in the pond is during the top three hours of the rising tide. It is then that the cleanest water enters from Absecon Creek. Crabbing is solid during all tide phases.
As one heads around a few oxbows and further toward the bay, they will notice the other construction phase of the Absecon Creek taking place. An observation deck with nearby parking will be constructed adjacent to the small patch of sand that used to contain remnants of old pilings from fallen boat slips past. Benches, tables and appropriate trash and recycle receptacles will be placed in the area. And there too, access to the creek will be provided specifically for smaller, non-motorized watercraft while larger vessels can use the existing ramp facility about 100 yards away.
This area of the creek sees the same species of fish zoom in and out with the tides as the old swim pond, but there is a greater chance for anglers to see some keepers. Bluefish and adult bunker often make their appearance in these waters and hang around for weeks at a time when they feel the notion to take up residence. Peanut bunker show up in July every year and hang around until October. Each late summer evening they explode in vast schools on the surface and the phrase, “you could walk across the bait” gets unloaded by the local ramp rats. Cow-nosed rays wonder into the creek, and turtles seem to poke their curious heads out at each turn, all while egrets and blue herons watch the action from the shoreline.
Although the creek does not lead to freshwater, herring make their way into the tributary from time to time so anglers shouldn’t be caught off guard by their presence. Crabbing has been especially strong along the creek, and any appropriate access point can really produce. Crab seekers can stop by Absecon Bay Sportsman in the summer for some frozen bunker if they don’t have any on hand for their traps. The bulkheads and empty sod spots are encouraged for crabbers, but using the boat ramp docks is not allowed. Single vehicle parking is and will continue to be provided so it’s best if folks avoid the trailer parking areas that are at premium.
Absecon Creek and its newest facilities are not far from Atlantic City and Brigantine for those heading in that direction. My personal preference is to grab a cheesesteak or hoagie from nearby Sacco Subs on Route 30 after fishing in the area. Additional eateries and lodging are quite plentiful near the creek. The renovations are expected to be completed as of this month.
