Absecon Bay Fishing Safaris

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Absecon Bay Fishing Safaris

Capt. David Showell guides back bay fishing trips in the Greater Atlantic City, NJ area estuaries. I am your host, Capt. Follow this link for details. Dave Showell

Striped Bass are the specialty, but also offered is Summer Flounder, Bluefish, Weakfish and whatever else is in season and grabs onto your hook. If you want to experience the very best of Back Bay and Near Shore fishing for Striped Bass, Summer Flounder, Blue Fish, Weakfish and all the other varieties of fish that swim in the waters flowing from Absecon Creek and to the surrounding waters from Lit

tle Egg Inlet to the north and Great Egg Inlet to the South of the Greater Atlantic City, New Jersey area you have come to the right place. David Showell, and I have been exploring these waters well over fifty years in pursuit of fish, working as a commercial clam digger, guiding waterfowl hunters, capturing all kinds of baits for sale in the shop at Absecon Bay Sportsman Center and for the last twenty years I have been a Coast Guard Licensed Captain and have guided hundreds of anglers to the fantastic fishing this area has to offer. After all this experience I have developed my favorite method of fishing which in most cases is using live bait primarily for Striped Bass. After several changes over the years I believe I have found the almost perfect back bay and near shore fishing boat which is a 20' Scout Dorado model. Powered with a 175 hp 4-stroke Suzuki outboard has proved itself a fantastic piece of machinery. This motor has extended my range and gave me unsurpassed reliability and utmost confidence to get to the fish and more importantly to get home safely. In addition, I have upgraded the electronics to the new Lowrance Ti2 with full side scan which should allow me to find fish in the shallow environments that I have been more and more each year. My secret weapon is a Minn Kota 110 lb thrust bow mounted trolling motor which allows me to stay positioned exactly as I want which is to put a bait in front of a hungry Stripers Nose. Spring and Fall are Striped Bass Migration times and this is stretching longer every year. I have been targeting Striped Bass in early Spring and late summer in the Mullica River avoiding the long trip around the inland waterway by trailering my boat to Chestnut Neck Boat Yard which is in the middle of the one of the best Striped Bass Estuaries in New Jersey if not the world. Constant action casting lures on light tackle in shallow water is amazing fun. Most of the fish are under the 28 inch size limit, but if you want to take home dinner, I participate in the New Jersey Bonus Striper Program which allows anglers to take home a dinner bass between 24 and 28 inches. https://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/bonusbas.htm

http://www.abseconbay.com/fishingsafaris.html

I do most of the Fall Striped Bass Fishing in the back bays and thorofares, especially early in the season. I particularly like the wilderness area behind Little Beach Island which is part of the Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. This is a beautiful area and probably the farthest you can get away from occupied housing in all of New Jersey. Even with today’s fishing pressure I can often fish an entire tide without seeing another boat. Fishing trips general run a minimum of 4 hours actual fishing time and I take a crew of from one to three anglers for a total cost of $$400. I fish strictly according to the best period every day utilizing my knowledge of Sun Rise, Sun Set and the periods of the tides. I usually like to fish the top of the tide and my favorite periods are days when the High Tide is close to sunrise. Since I like to be on the water when the first light breaks in the east, so plan on getting up early! Because there is only one truly “Best’ time to fish each day I will only run one trip a day just to make sure no one misses Prime Time. I will run a “Full Day Striper Trip” on request. This will be a solid eight hours on the water and will usually hit a high and a low change of tides. Again I will carry up to 3 anglers for a total price of $550. I put the price for three anglers because I find that fishing is most effective when limited. The boat can legally and safely carry a fourth angler, but this will limit the type of fishing that we can do and will definitely restrict us to the back bays or inlet. I realize there are groups that can’t be broken up so if you require a fourth man there will be an additional charge of $100

Trips include all of the fishing tackle you might need including spinning and conventional tackle by many of the best manufactures such as Shimano, Penn Tsunami, and others. Everything I use on the boat is available for sale in the store. It also includes all the terminal tackle such as hooks leaders and when appropriate lures including leadhead Jigs with the best of Berkley Gulp which in many cases can out-fish Live Bait. This year 2021 In-line Circle Hooks are required for all Live and Natural dead baits. I personally do not agree with this, but if we are heading out for a Striped Bass trip, I will not have any J-Hooks onboard. Once Flounder season starts, I will have the right stuff to put those tasty flatfish onboard. However if there is a decent chance to hook up with some decent stripers, that will be my first choice. I always have the best Live Bait selection on board. Included in the price is 1 dozen live Spots whenever available along with Eels, Clams and Mullet. I usually take some fresh bunker and the cast nets are always on board to load up with the freshest baits possible. If you want to experience this type of fishing this fall I suggest you get in contact with me as soon as possible as the available days are filling up fast. I'll answer emails [email protected] or Facebook Messages, but a phone call is quicker and I can get you reserved. Call me at 609-484-0409. If I'm not in the shop and you want a trip please ask for my cell phone number for voice or text. I Hope to see you aboard soon,

Capt.

10/31/2025

Tomorrow looks breezy but Fishable. If you want to fish, I'm ready to go. Regular daily price. call 609-484-0409

10/26/2025

Take a picture tour of the first week and a half of the Absecon Bay Fishing Safaris. Severn Day that the wind never forgot to blow, but we caught every day. Taking a Sunday break, but I'll be at it tomorrow. If you fished with me tag your pictures and leave a comment. If you know someone in the pictures tag them. If you want to join in on the action call 609-484-0409 . Ask for Capt. Dave. Complete trip details are at the top of the page.

10/05/2025

Fall Run, 2025, Capt. Dave’s,
Absecon Bay Fishing Safaris, Striper Edition
We are three quarters of the way thru the 2025 fishing calendar, but in my opinion the best is yet to come. It’s been a long season at Absecon Bay Sportsman Center.

Winter White Perch was a great cold weather filler. March 1st brought excellent Spring Stripers. April Tog was a good side catch. Summer Flounder opened in early May and was good right from the start to the late September finally. The weather has been relatively warm, but windy, even up to the current first week of October. A good number of Striped Bass have been reported all season but are picking up as the days get shorter, even if the water has not gotten the normal September temperature drop.

As I write this, I am trying to catch up with some family business during this slight fishing slowdown period so I can get back on the water for the peak of the fall Striper Run which is getting underway and more intense every day.

I plan on making my first Safari October 13th. Most likely you will read this after that date and will already have seen a report. I feel good about the date and expect that it will be a good one. My 20’ Scout, the “www.abseconbay.com” is as ready as it can be. The 175 Suzuki has been serviced and tuned as much as possible. I installed a new Minn Kota Trolling motor on the bow, yes, I stayed with a manual hand tiller motor. The remote drive, spot lock motors look very inviting, but I must fish every day, and the reliability of the tiller has kept me fishing almost 100% of the time so why fix what isn’t broke. I upgraded one of my three Lowrance Electronic screens to a12 inch model to make it easier for these old eyes to see the fish below.

Unless the weather and the location of the stripers dictate otherwise, 95% of my striper fishing is done out of Absecon Bay Sportsman Center in Absecon Bay, Reeds Bay and Little Bay and in the smaller back bay waters behind Atlantic City and Brigantine, north to Great Bay. At times we may also venture up into the Mullica River.

I prefer to cover ground and hunt for the Stripers; my boat does this well in most weather conditions. On rare occasions, if the Mullica River is the “Hot Spot” I may trailer up to Chestnut Neck Boat Yard to save some time. However, there are dozens of spots I like to fish between Absecon and the Mullica so usually it is worth the boat ride. There is nothing better than making a long ride and finding diving birds or other signs that show feeding Stripers which makes for fantastic memories.

Fishing Methods and Tackle

Fishing tactics for my trips is a combination of casting lures and controlled drifting live bait on circle hooks. All fishing is done with medium, to medium heavy tackle in the ten-to-twenty-pound class capable of casting ½ ounce lures at least 100 feet. Casting is usually done in under ten feet of water where we are casting to sod banks or other structure. My preference for spinning is a ½ ounce head with a Berkley GULP trailer. Paddletails and Nemesis are my favorites, but the Saltwater Grubs aren’t far behind. I keep these on board in my favorite colors as I am confident that they will catch stripers.

For live-baiting the same rods are fine, but I do supply slightly heavier for the live-bait fishing. What I do is controlled drifting of live bait. There is no need for casting. I use a simple rig of a small (½ ounce) in-line trolling sinker with a three-foot leader and appropriately sized in-line circle hook. We just drop back the bait, usually live Spot, which I expect to be the absolute top bait this season because of the number of juvenile spot which appear to be everywhere.

If you have tackle that you like to use, that will work for these scenarios, you are always welcome to bring your own. If not don’t worry, I have exactly what you need and always have backups if there are malfunctions.

General Trip Details

My signature Safari is what I call, “A Long Half Day”. This will usually run six hours from the time we leave the dock until we return. This should give you at least four hours with, “Lines in the water”. For this trip I will take one to three anglers. I do not do, "Open Boats”. If you book a trip, you are getting the boat, bait and tackle for the day and most importantly, My Knowledge of the local waters and the habits of the Striped Bass. I do expect you to have at least general knowledge of the use of fishing tackle or at least let me know if you are a beginner. I do enjoy teaching new anglers, but please let me know ahead of time.

I almost always strive to get an early start on my trips. I like to leave the dock just before first light, so we can get the lines in the water well before actual sunup. This is the “Magic Hour”, and I really hate to miss it. Six am. Is a good call before we get back to Standard Time but always check with me a day or two before because there are times due to tides, weather or other circumstances that a later start will produce better results.

This is active fishing, and I cover a lot of water in all kinds of weather. It will probably be colder than you think so dress accordingly. My boat very sea-worthy and relatively dry, but sometimes we get a cross wind that will put spray in the boat. Even if it’s not actually raining, rain gear is usually a good idea. Rubber Boat Boots will keep your feet warm and dry if for any reason we get cold fall water in the bottom of the boat. If you are comfortable, it makes for a much more pleasant experience. After November 1st it is mandatory to wear an approved life preserver at all times after the boat leaves the dock. I have inflatables available, and they are always a good idea so if you wish to wear one before that date, please let me know

The Stripers

These are the reals Stars of the Show. By the time you hit the dock you will have had a good day fishing, and I hope you will consider it a Great One. In most, if not all cases your party will have caught all caught multiple Striped Bass and probably will have caught some legal Stripers to take home. Current regulations allow each angler to harvest one Striper within a slot size limit of a minimum of 28 inches and a maximum of 31 inches. I participate in the New Jersey Striped Bass Bonus Tag Program which allows each angler to take an additional Striped Bass between 24 inches and 28 inches. I have metal tags that must be attached to the fish when caught and I must make strict reports of the catches, first to make sure that the statewide catch doesn’t go over the quota and to gather scientific data on the Striped Bass Population.

I personally believe that the current Striped Bass Biomass is much higher than reported and have no qualms about anyone keeping a legal Striper if it is going to be consumed. I enjoy eating them myself. I pride myself on taking care of all Stripers that are released so they live, grow, make baby stripers and add to the population. If you and your party want to fish strictly “Catch and Release” I have no problem releasing all fish caught.

Pricing

Always a very important question and a tough one on my part. I have a lot going on and I have to get paid for my time along with filling the gas tank and keeping the machine running and the bait tanks full, and all the equipment in working order. I include a dozen live spot with each trip. However, I always load up the live well. If the Stripers are biting or we run into other critters that will eat them we can go thru a lot more. I do expect to get covered at the going rate. The same way with GULP, I’m good for a pack or so a trip, but when the fishing is good, I know that you will be glad to take care of it.

Solo Angler: $400

You get my full attention and a chance to fully concentrate on fishing. If you have years of experience or are a complete beginner, you will learn something that you didn’t know before and very likely catch more than enough Stripers to keep you satisfied.

Two Anglers $450

If you have a regular Fishing Buddy, Business Partner, Spouse, Daughter or Son and want some time together on the water between the adrenaline rush of a Striper Hookup, this is a great situation, and I will make it a pleasure. There is plenty of room for comfort, casting and all the action that fighting a big fish involves.

Three Anglers $500

There is still plenty of room in the boat, but not quite as much room for freedom of movement, especially for casting. Make sure all the crew are good friends and hopefully will be after the trip.

An additional angler is possible; I have had some great family trips with teenage or younger children I would look seriously ahead to the weather conditions and the availability of fish because it makes it more difficult to get good fish catching action for all. Figure an additional $100 including extra bait.

Booking, Reservations and Deposits

If I had my way I, I would fish every day until Christmas. Age is catching up with me, and I know I will need at least one recovery day each week. Besides when I get off the boat, running “Absecon Bay Sportsman Center” puts even more demands on me. One thing I have been thinking about for years is that weekends are particulary tough on me and I do need to pay extra help in the tackle Shop. There is also more competition on the water which makes fishing a bit more difficult. I understand that many of you can’t fish during weekdays, and I want to give you a chance to experience the great Striper Fishing so if you do wish to book a Saturday or Sunday, I will be adding an additional fee of $100.

As I write this, I still have plenty of open dates on my calendar. However, that won’t last long. I suggest that you make reservations as soon as possible.

When choosing a date, don’t be afraid of the Early October time period. Every year the early fishing in the bay has been improving with plenty of casting action including larger keeper size surface strikes.

To book a trip, please call me personally! If you have my cell number use it and I will answer. If not please leave a text with your complete information. I do not listen to voice mail. If you do not have my cell phone, call the Tackle Shop, 609-484-0409. If I am not in, I’m probably fishing. Tell whoever answers that you are looking for a fishing trip and ask for my cell number. I will answer texts on my cell. If you text by Facebook Messenger, I must personally confirm any reservation on my calendar. Dates will be filling every day, and I don’t want any mix-ups. Somebody always gets upset and I end up losing customers.

After confirming the reservation, I will need a deposit of $100 weekdays, $200 Weekends. This will only be refundable if canceled more than one week from your date or if I call a “Weather Day” and we are unable to fish and we can’t find a suitable day in the future. Since we are fishing in the back bay, there aren’t many days we can’t fish. On the other hand, I’m not going out if I don’t expect that the weather will allow us to good day.

Please double check the situation on the afternoon two or three days before our trip to make sure we have the times and locations set up right and any special information that we should share. If all goes well, we’ll have bent rods and Striper Dinners in the future.

05/23/2025

The Sky was Red last Wednesday Morning before the storm, but the lights are on in the Crab Shack at Absecon Bay Sportsman Center . The Soft Shells are Popping 24 hours a day, Rain or Shine. This is the first time I ever have had Unlimited SoftShells for Memorial Day Weekend. Usually there are few for lucky customers looking for a couple for Dinner. but, this year I am wide open and can get you up to case lots, right out of the tanks. Whales, Jumbos, Primes all available, all the softest Crabs possible right out of our tanks. You can see them shed and pick out your own , most of the time. Call 609-484-0409 . FYI here are the Memorial Weekend Prices:
Whales $12 each, $120 a dozen.
Jumbos $10 each $100 a dozen
Primes $6 each, super deal $50 a dozen
also available Fresh Stills, sandwich and hor devour specials
For honest wholesale case prices call 609-484-0409

05/14/2025

It was a lot later than I had hoped, but this past Monday, Gene forced me out of hibernation from the seemingly never ending bad weather winter and spring. Now All Systems are GO and I am ready to Safari until I can't do it any more. Gene thought his first bass pictured was so tough that it just had to be an over, but it was a perfect Micro-Slot 30" and perfect to go back to Iowa for a fresh Seafood Dinner in the land of Corn and Carp. The second Striper though not a giant was definitely over the Slot and would have to go back. He obliged by un -hooking himself while we were considering how to do it. The 19" flounder ate a jig thrown for Shallow Water Stripers and made a good addition.
Tomorrow starts the bonus season, and I've got and am not afraid to use them if eating a Striper is part of your idea of a great trip. All C&R, no problem. The SPOT tank is full so we have the Best Bait. Please call me direct for a trip if you have my cell. If not call the shop at 609-484-0409 and the crew sill get you in touch.

11/17/2024

Opening This Tuesday 11/19, Stripers are Biting and the Weather is Perfect.
call 609-484-0409

11/16/2024

Flood Tide and West Winds. They don't seem to go together, but thanks to the big full moon, we had that combination today. It didn't seem to bother the Stripers at all. Gus and Assem managed to land their share of fish including one 28" keeper and a couple of fat Bonus Babies. eight more won their freedom, most of which were in the Bonus size slot with only a couple in the low 20" . There was lots of pulling on the light tackle today. I do have a couple openings for next week After that I will be going as long as the weather and stripers cooperate. 609-484-0409

11/04/2024

I didn't have a trip today, but it is great to have a beautiful sunrise out my door, and I did I did seven successful days fishing in a row.
Still there is plenty to do here at . I am continuing to stock up for the peak of the Striper Season and we will be open every day until Christmas and if this warm weather keeps up we will be open every day that you can get out fishing.
We have everything you can possibly need for Stripers, Tog and now I've greatly expanded our Tuna Tackle since the big Tuna are working closer and closer to the coast.
Tomorrow, I expect to have more real time Striper Reports tomorrow and every day for the next week before I get another break. The next opening I have is Friday the 15th.and just about anything is available from then thru Thanksgiving. If this weather holds I might just get some trips into December. Call 609-484-0409 to reserve a trip.

11/03/2024

I had the crew working hard today
the fishing is picking up and I just sat down to send in my NJ DEP Bonus Striper Reports and I realized that I have an opening tomorrow. If you want to get on board. call asap. 609-484-0409. Cost is for the boat. Solo $400, 2 anglers $450, 3 anglers $500. Will leave the dock at 6 am. and I have to be back by noon. Conditions are great, I hate to miss out.

10/15/2024

Today was the unofficial start of Striped Bass Season. It's been a long day and I get to do it all tomorrow. I hope to get to a longer story soon, but here is the Happy Ending. Lots of Striper Dinners heading up to PA with Grandpop and the kid, Nick who started coming down pre- High School and now is in College and one heck of a fisherman in his own rite.
Keep watch for the whole story or better yet jump on board and make your own. Call 609-484-0409 and ask for Capt. Dave.

09/28/2024

Fall Striper Safaris 2024, complete information
It’s hard to believe that October is already here. The last two weeks of September were more than a little miserable with two weeks of East to Northeast winds messing with the tides, the bait fish, the stripers and my head. I really missed a lot of the Spring Run due to Family situations and the good retail bait and tackle business that kept me tied to the shop more than I wanted to be.
If this weather breaks, and it will, I want to be on the water and watching clients bend their rods on lively Striped Bass. Here is a little information on how and where this happens. Most likely we will be leaving out of Absecon Creek, from my own Marina, “Absecon Bay Sportsman Center”. My favorite fishing grounds are the waters starting in Absecon Bay just out of the creek, east to Absecon Inlet, and all the waters behind the Barrier Islands of Brigantine and Little Beach to Little Egg Inlet and back to the west all the way into the mouth of the Mullica River.
My boat is an older, twenty-foot Scout, dual-console with an almost new 175 hp Suzuki Outboard. It is the best boat I have found for fishing the shallow back bays and estuaries where the stripers come to feed in just about any weather that gets thrown at us during the season. If the migrating schools reach us in time, it is also good for hitting the “Three Mile Striper Zone”, if that is the best area to hook up with the linesiders and the weather is cooperating.
On the front of the boat is a thirty-six-volt Minn Kota manual trolling motor. Yes, I said Manual. There are times I would love to be able to hit “Spot Lock”, but I use this motor almost every time I shut off the main motor and since most of my fishing is done with live bait using controlled drifting thru narrow waterways with wind and currents always wanting to take control. I have a console full of Lowrance Electronics that let me know where I am going, fishing and usually if there are stripers there to catch.
The tackle on board is a mix of rods and reels that I sell in the tackle shop so you can have a chance to see how effective they are. It is all what I consider light, and some that could be almost considered ultra-lite. Since we fish with a mix of casting lures and dropping live bait, I have a pretty good pile on board all the time so we can switch up without re-rigging. There is no need to bring your own tackle, but if you are experienced and have light tackle that you are used to using and can cast well, feel free to bring it along. Please let me know what you have before the trip so I can plan and make sure it is appropriate.
My signature trip is what I call, A Long Half Day”. I make sure to get four hours with lines in the water. For this trip I will take one to three anglers. Whenever possible, I like to get out on the water before first light, so plan on getting here early. This is the “Magic Hour” and I hate to miss it. Usually this is about 6 am. and we will be back to the dock about noon. This is active fishing, and I cover a lot of water so be ready to ride. By the time we hit the dock, you will know that you had a good day fishing and in most if not all cases you will have caught multiple stripers and probably have at least one to take home if that is your desire.
I basicly have two methods of fishing and I don’t have a favorite. They are both exciting and we will be hunting over a variety of waters. In relatively shallow areas, usually under ten feet deep, we will usually cast lead head jigs with Berkley Gulp trailers. With spinning tackle, I like ½ ounce jigs and the Gulp paddle tail of 5 or six inches and the 6-1/2“, Nemesis, I figure to go thru a pack or two of Gulp a day as part of the charter. Live bait, unless I am lucky enough to fins live Mullet, is almost exclusively Spot. These are fished in the narrow channels where the water is a little deeper and the stripers can ambush from structure as the bait passes by. I control drift with simple single circle hook rigs. A dozen Spot is included with the charter, but I expect more action and always put plenty in the live well. I know you will be glad to cover the difference when we hit one of those days when the stripers just won’t stop eating the candies.
I believe in following the rules! That being said, I believe that there are plenty of stripers in the population to take advantage of the regulations and take what is legal. Present regulations for one keeper striper in a slot from 28 inches to 31 inches. I do participate in the NJ Bonus Striped Bass Program. I have Bonus Tags onboard that will allow every angler on board to keep a Bonus Fish from 24 inches to under 28 inches. If you and your crew want to harvest legal Stripers for your own consumption, I agree, and we will take care of your catch, so it arrives in perfect condition.
I also believe in catch and release. Just because you are allowed to keep stripers, that doesn’t mean that you must. I have absolutely no qualms about returning every striper caught on a given day to the water alive to fight another day.
Pricing: Always a big question, but I decided to bring it down to the bottom of the page so you can see exactly what you are getting for your money.
Long ½ Day Striper Safari:
Solo Angler: $400. You get my full attention and years of experience and a chance to fully concentrate on fishing, Experienced or complete beginner you will learn something and very likely catch as many or more stripers than you have before.
Two Anglers: $450. If you have a great fishing buddy. Partner, son or daughter that you want to experience a great day on the water, I will make it a pleasure and there is plenty of room for casting and all the action that fighting big fish involves.
Three Anglers: $500, Still room in the boat, but not quite as much freedom of movement. If we are casting, make sure you are all good friends, because I want it to remain that way after the trip is over.
Four Anglers: $600, This is possible but does just about limit the trip to bait fishing, an additional dozen Spot will be added to the trip. It also will limit the action that each individual will experience. I have had some great family trips with four onboard, but please discuss this with me before you come.
Booking:
I will be going as much as I possibly can, but only one trip a day. I also must allow for other activities that will take up some of my time. As I write this, I do have plenty of open dates on the calendar, but that won’t for long. Also, don’t be afraid of the early season. Over the last few years, the early October fishing seems to have improved greatly, especially in respect to the size of the early stripers, and of course the weather is almost always better early in the year.
Please Call me Personally! If you have my cell number, use that if not call the store. 609-484-0409 and if I am not in tell whoever answers that you are looking for a fishing trip and want my cell. I will answer texts if you have my cell, I may be harder to reach on the Facebook Messenger. Before confirming any trip, I will personally have to check my main calendar. Then I will need a $100 deposit. This can only be refunded if “I” consider a weather day. We are fishing the back bay and that doesn’t happen often. Always call in the afternoon two days before your trip to get any last-minute details we may have missed on our original conversations.
One last note, I do not do any type of open boat trips so if you do not have a partner and do not want to fish solo you are out of luck. You can leave a note and your information in the comments section of this post and hopefully you will find a like-minded angler.
I will be expecting to here from many of you soon and hopefully we will put together a Striper Safari for the memory banks.
Capt. Dave Showell

Address

Absecon, NJ
08201

Telephone

+16094840409

Website

http://www.abseconbay.com/, http://www.abseconbay.com/abseconbay/Safaries/fishing%20safaries.html, http://www.fishguatem

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