Atlantic City’s Jetties: Great Fishing, Deep History and a Project I’ve Waited Years to See
Hey Folks,
There are certain places around Atlantic City that people drive past without realizing just how special they are. The jetties along Absecon Inlet are one of those places.
If you fish, you probably already know. If you don’t, this is one of those Atlantic City stories worth knowing anyway.
I recently came across a great piece from The Fisherman about the Atlantic City Inlet jetty system, and it reminded me just how remarkable this stretch of our shoreline really is.
Some of the Best Fishing Is Right Here in AC
The Atlantic City side of Absecon Inlet has a main rock jetty running from around Gardner’s Basin toward the ocean, along with seven jetties extending out toward the deeper inlet water.
And when I say deep, I mean deep. According to The Fisherman, many of these jetties reach water more than 30 feet deep, with one area along the boulder wall dropping to around 60 feet.
That structure attracts fish throughout much of the year.
- Tautog: A favorite along the rocks from spring through fall.
- Sheepshead: Summer can produce some serious fish, including double-digit-pounders.
- Fluke: June, July and August bring opportunities for some big South Jersey summer flounder.
- Triggerfish: Look for them around the deeper rocks in late summer and early fall.
- Striped bass: Fall is the big season, especially as we get into November.
And here’s a little Atlantic City fishing history for you: the former world-record striped bass was caught nearby at the South Vermont Avenue jetty in 1982.
If you know, you know. Atlantic City has always been a fishing town, too.
This One Is Personal for Me
What really caught my attention is what’s happening with access to these jetties.
I remember sitting out here about 10 years ago with Jeff Van Drew talking about getting steps and better access to the jetties.
That’s why seeing improvements to this area means something to me. Sometimes projects take years. You have conversations, people push ideas forward, and you wonder whether you’re ever going to see the result.
Then one day you look around and realize something that was being talked about a decade ago is actually moving forward.
That’s a big deal.
Better access can help more people enjoy one of Atlantic City’s great natural assets, whether they’re serious anglers, families introducing a kid to fishing, or visitors discovering another side of the city.
Don’t Forget About The Inlet
I say this all the time: Atlantic City is much more than casinos and the Boardwalk.
The Inlet is a perfect example. You’ve got fishing, boating, waterfront dining, the lighthouse, the newly reopened aquarium and Historic Gardner’s Basin all within this corner of the city.
So if you’re looking for things to do in Atlantic City, take a ride down to the Inlet. Walk around Gardner’s Basin, check out the waterfront and see a side of AC that locals have appreciated for generations.
Check Out the AC Mike Show
I’m going to keep talking about projects like this and the people behind them on the AC Mike Show Podcast. These are the Atlantic City stories I enjoy telling because they’re about where we’ve been, where we’re going and the people who care enough to keep pushing the city forward.
And if you’re an angler, definitely read the full Atlantic City Inlet Jetty System feature from The Fisherman. You may discover your next fishing spot.
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AC Mike
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Hey Mike, my wife and I have been owners at the Flagship for over 10 years, I’m a retired carpenter and have had the pleasure to watch them build the boardwalk along the inlet… The north end of AC is amazing !!