Question about access to Oranokin Creek in S. Jersey

[Jumboblueclaws]

I just picked up my very own little crabbing skiff this week and should be all set to hit the water by next weekend. I have always crabbed at Beaver Dam rentals  on Oranokin creek my enitire life , but it says on thier site that they discourage private boat launches from thier business now. Are there any other ramps in the vicinity that you can to pay to lauch your own boat from ? I know Dividing Creek rentals do, but ive never been there and am unfamiliar w the water way in that area but may be willing to give it a shot if I get good feedback.  Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[tattoo]

good luck with your new boat . dividing creek is marked with signs as you go out . Talk with stumpy the owner , he will head you in the right direction . good luck. 

[Dreampixels]

Why do they call him Stumpy?

[on the hook]

Yes, Turkey Point/Johnsons Ditch...........This is only good to run mid tide and up.......Have pushed my rigs many times by hand........Other place is Fortescue..Can run any tide here...Not sure on the launch there though, as Sportsmans Cove/Double A is closed, I believe(?).......A word of warning, you CAN and WILL get lost. Take a hand held GPS, even if you have to borrow one. I've run these creeks for years hunting and crabbing and can go from Fortescue to Port Norris without ever going in the bay. However, I have been twisted up myself, and seen Millville Rescue looking for crabbers from Beaver Dam. Pay real close attention to tides also, as all that is low tide trouble. Google that area, and you can see the launch @ TP. There is also the launch at the end of Hansey Creek Rd...This is out Dividing Creek half way.........Be safe, and good luck.

[Jumboblueclaws]

Thanks, I am quite familiar w Fortesque, but was looking for a place on the back end around 553 to launch. I have a 15 Bayrunner [ looks like those wide open fiberglass rental boats ] that i'm gonna to throw on a 6 hp outboard on the back. It is not quite a true flat bottom, but more like a small tri-hull type design . Not sure how much draft it draws though. I'm aware the low tides can get you in trouble in the Beaver Dam area that's why I'm hoping for a little better luck up the road somewhere where the channel may be marked a little better.

[salt hay]

Thanks, I am quite familiar w Fortesque, but was looking for a place on the back end around 553 to launch. I have a 15 Bayrunner [ looks like those wide open fiberglass rental boats ] that i'm gonna to throw on a 6 hp outboard on the back. It is not quite a true flat bottom, but more like a small tri-hull type design . Not sure how much draft it draws though. I'm aware the low tides can get you in trouble in the Beaver Dam area that's why I'm hoping for a little better luck up the road somewhere where the channel may be marked a little better.

To access the Oranoken you have 3 choices.  Dividing creek, Johnson's ditch, or Fortescue.  With your size boat and motor I'd opt for Fortesque.  Either way you have a pretty good run .  

I have a 12' Schellinger with a 25 Yammie. Fort to Oranoak less than 10 minutes.  Dividing creek is in the 20 minute range.   Johnson ditch is also about 10-15 minutes but you most likely end up stuck with that size boat.It is even shallower than Beaver Dam area and maze like..........You also could be nice to the guys at beaver dam and pay them to launch. I see guys do it pretty often.

[Jumboblueclaws]

Thanks for the input. Even though I am senimental about Beaver Dam aarea since its the only place I crabbed regularly for over 3 decades w my family,looks like I may opt for a change and try out dividing creek to play it safe. Any pointers for someone new to that area like areas to avoid to not get the boat stranded in the shallows and maybe a good place to start out w the traps and handline. I just like to throw the anchor and drop a few traps. I'm not that far advanced as to drop a ton of traps w floats lol

[salt hay]

Thanks for the input. Even though I am senimental about Beaver Dam aarea since its the only place I crabbed regularly for over 3 decades w my family,looks like I may opt for a change and try out dividing creek to play it safe. Any pointers for someone new to that area like areas to avoid to not get the boat stranded in the shallows and maybe a good place to start out w the traps and handline. I just like to throw the anchor and drop a few traps. I'm not that far advanced as to drop a ton of traps w floats lol

Most of dividing creek is good depth wise. If you venture into maple pond area of dividing creek, watch out for the pilings and old dock as you enter. Also about halway to the road it gets very shallow, best to hang near the back of the pond or follow the channel down the right side.