Crabbing at the Jersey Shore
Blue claw crabs thrive in New Jersey's bays and estuaries. From dock-side family fun to kayak adventures through the marshes, crabbing is a quintessential shore tradition.
About Blue Claw Crabs
The blue claw crab (Callinectes sapidus) is the prized catch in New Jersey's bays and estuaries. These feisty crustaceans are found throughout Barnegat Bay, Great Bay, and the back bays behind barrier islands from Sandy Hook to Cape May.
Crabbing is one of the most accessible fishing activities at the shore — no license is required for basic methods, gear is inexpensive, and many public docks offer easy access. It's a perfect family activity, teaching kids patience while spending quality time on the water.
New Jersey Crabbing Regulations
Know the rules before you go
Size & Limits
- ✓Size Limit: 4.5 inches (point to point)
Measure from point to point across the widest part of the shell
- ✓Daily Limit: 1 bushel per person
- ✗Protected: Egg-bearing (sponge) females must be released
Female crabs with orange sponge (eggs) on underside
License & Season
- ✓Season: March 15 - November 30
Peak: July - September
- ✓License: Not required for hand lines, collapsible traps, or scoop nets
- !Crab Pot License: $2 for Chesapeake-style pots or trot lines (max 2)
Restricted Area: Crab pots and trot lines prohibited in Sedge Islands WMA (east shore Barnegat Bay)
Best Crabbing Spots
Family-friendly and productive locations
🌊Barnegat BayFull guide →
Berkeley Island County Park
FamilyBayville
Ocean County park with a dedicated crabbing pier on Barnegat Bay. Easy access, parking, restrooms. Great for families.
Windward Beach Park
FamilyBrick Township
Popular spot with pier access. Water depth 6-8 feet. Swimming beach nearby, making it a good all-day destination.
Lavallette Bay Docks
FamilyLavallette
Two T-docks for crabbing at Magee Avenue and Reese Avenue. Bay-side access with calm waters.
Seaside Heights Back Bay
FamilySeaside Heights
Access from Cranberry Inlet area between Lavallette and Seaside. Boat rentals available at The Dock Outfitters.
Island Vista Marina Area
FamilyBarnegat
Crabbing boat rentals available. Access to productive waters near sedges and channels.
🏝️Long Beach Island
Taylor Avenue Bay Beach
FamilyBeach Haven
Calm bay beach with shallow waters. Kayak crabbing popular here. Beautiful sunset views while you crab.
Bayview Harbor
FamilyLong Beach Island
Marina with kayak rentals for bay crabbing. Guided tours also available.
Sunset Park Bay Beach
FamilyHarvey Cedars
Bay-side park with calm waters. Great for kayak crabbing or dropping lines from shore.
🌿Great Bay & Southern ShoreGreat Bay guide →
Captain Mike's Marina
FamilyTuckerton
Historic marina on Great Bay Boulevard. Kayak and boat rentals for crabbing in Great Bay waters.
Great Bay Boulevard WMA
Little Egg Harbor
Seven Bridges Road area with excellent salt marsh crabbing. Watch for terrapins on the road!
Ocean City Back Bay
FamilyOcean City
Numerous bay access points throughout Ocean City. Calm waters perfect for family crabbing.
Wildwood Back Bays
FamilyWildwood
Back bay areas accessible from various points. Combine with boardwalk activities for a full day.
Gear & Bait
What you need to get started
Hand Lines (Drop Lines)
$5-15Simple and effective. Tie bait to string, lower to bottom, wait for tugs. Perfect for beginners.
Collapsible Crab Traps
$10-30Square or circular traps that flatten for storage. Bait in center, lower to bottom. No license needed.
Dip Net / Scoop Net
$15-25Essential for scooping crabs off lines or out of traps. Long handle recommended.
Bushel Basket or Cooler
$15-40Keep crabs alive and contained. Add wet newspaper or burlap for moisture.
Crab Measure
$3-8Verify crabs meet the 4.5-inch minimum. Available at bait shops.
Frozen Bunker (Bait)
$5-10/bagBuy at local bait shops. Ask for "crab bait" bunker. Chicken necks work too.
Where to Buy Gear
Most bait and tackle shops along the shore carry crabbing supplies. Major stores include:
- • The Dock Outfitters — Seaside Heights
- • Fisherman's Headquarters — Ship Bottom (LBI)
- • Island Vista Marina — Barnegat
- • Captain Mike's Marina — Tuckerton
Crabbing Tips & Tricks
Maximize your catch
Best Times
- Time of Day: Early morning and late afternoon are most productive
- Tide: Incoming (flood) tide often brings crabs closer to docks
- Moon Phase: Some crabbers report better catches around full/new moons
- Weather: Overcast days can be excellent. Avoid after heavy rain (low salinity)
Technique Tips
- Be Patient: Wait for steady pulling on your line before lifting slowly
- Lift Slowly: Quick movements scare crabs off. Smooth and steady wins
- Net Underneath: Have partner ready with net as crab surfaces
- Multiple Lines: Set 3-4 lines at once to maximize productivity
Safety & Handling
- Watch the Claws: Grab crabs from behind to avoid pinches
- Use Tongs: Available at bait shops for safer handling
- Keep Cool: Crabs in shade with wet newspaper stay fresher
- Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, hat, and water
With Kids
- Simple Setup: Hand lines are easier for kids than traps
- Shallow Spots: Choose docks with shallow, calm water
- Bring Snacks: Hungry kids lose interest fast!
- Celebrate Small Catches: Even one crab is a win
Kayak Crabbing
Paddling to your crabbing spot opens up access to less-pressured areas. Kayaks let you explore shallow marsh edges and grass beds where crabs congregate. Many kayakers use collapsible traps secured to the kayak while they paddle slowly.
Best Kayak Crabbing Spots
- • Taylor Avenue bay beach, Beach Haven
- • Great Bay marshes from Tuckerton
- • Back bays of Ocean City
- • Wildwood back bay area
Where to Rent Kayaks
- Bayview Harbor — LBI
Rentals + Sedge Island tours - Captain Mike's Marina — Tuckerton
Great Bay access - Ocean City Kayak — Ocean City
Back bay rentals
Related Guides
Ready to Go Crabbing?
Grab some bunker, a few lines, and head to the bay. Whether you're teaching kids the fine art of patience or chasing a bushel for a crab boil, crabbing is classic shore fun.