TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Jersey Shore is not only famous for its stunning beaches and lively atmosphere but also for the abundant marine life that thrives along its coastline. Among the many seaside activities available, crabbing stands out as a popular pastime for both locals and visitors.
If you’re an avid seafood lover and looking to engage in an exciting adventure, crabbing at the Jersey Shore is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Timing is crucial when it comes to crabbing, as certain seasons offer better opportunities for a bountiful harvest. The prime crabbing months at the Jersey Shore are typically from May to October, with July and August being the peak season.
During these months, crabs are most active, increasing your chances of a successful catch. However, it’s important to check local regulations and restrictions to ensure compliance with the state’s fishing laws.
Ideal Spots to Catch Blue Claw Crabs
The Jersey Shore boasts an array of ideal crabbing locations that provide a rich habitat for blue claw crabs. Here are a few popular spots worth exploring:
- Barnegat Bay: Known for its diverse marine life, Barnegat Bay offers an excellent crabbing experience. The bay’s shallow waters and marshy areas are perfect for attracting blue claw crabs.
- Great Bay: Located near Ocean City, Great Bay is another fantastic crabbing location. This vast estuary is teeming with crabs, and its calm waters make it an ideal spot for beginners.
- Sandy Hook Bay: Situated near the northern part of the Jersey Shore, Sandy Hook Bay is a haven for crabbing enthusiasts. Its extensive mudflats and tidal creeks provide ample opportunities for a rewarding catch.
Before embarking on your crabbing adventure, gather the necessary equipment, including a crab trap or pot, a sturdy fishing line, a dip net, a bait bag or bait box, and a bucket for storing your catch.
Blue claw crabs are notorious scavengers, so you can entice them with a variety of baits. Popular choices include chicken necks, fish heads, bunker fish, or even raw chicken. Place the bait inside the bait bag or box to prevent the crabs from stealing it without getting caught.
Find a suitable location along the shore or a dock, and secure your crab trap or pot to a sturdy line. Lower the trap into the water, ensuring it is submerged but still within reach.
Allow your trap to sit in the water for around 10-15 minutes, giving the crabs enough time to investigate the bait. Once time is up, slowly and carefully lift the trap out of the water using the line, ensuring you have a dip net ready to scoop up any crabs that try to escape.
As you catch crabs, carefully measure them to ensure they meet the size requirements specified by local regulations. Blue claw crabs must typically measure at least 4.5 inches from point to point to be legally harvested. Additionally, make sure you can distinguish between male and female crabs, as certain restrictions may apply.
You can check the New Jersey DEP Fish and Wildlife page for more information and make sure to check local ordinances to make sure you are crabbing in a spot where it’s allowed.