Collapsible, pyramid, wire box, scoop nets, hand lines — the crab gear that catches blue crabs at the Manasquan bridges and Stone Harbor flats.
NJ blue crabbing is the cheapest path to a fresh shore dinner. The right trap depends on where you're crabbing — bridges (collapsible), flats (pyramid or box), or dock edges (scoop net + line).
Tested across NJ crab capitals — Manasquan River bridges, Mantoloking causeway, Stone Harbor docks, Cape May ferry terminal. Different gear for different spots.
Collapsible: fold-flat for transport. Pyramid: 4-sided, closes when lifted. Box: heavy-duty wire, serious harvesting. Scoop net: spotting from dock.
1.5-2 inch mesh standard. Smaller mesh = catches smaller crabs (illegal under 4.5 inch). Larger mesh = lets undersized escape.
Wire bait cage or center clip. Holds chicken legs or fish chunks. Keeps bait in trap as crabs work on it.
Polypropylene rope floats. 50-100 ft for bridge crabbing. Marine-grade survives saltwater seasons.
Coated steel: lasts 2-3 NJ summers. Stainless steel: 5+ summers. Plastic-coated wire: in-between.
Trap should have a float marker so you can find it after deployment. Standard on commercial traps; add aftermarket on basic models.
Each pick is one we'd actually grab. Tap through to Amazon for current pricing.
Drasry
Promar Collapsible Crab Trap — folds flat in your trunk, sets up in 30 seconds. The standard NJ back-bay rig at every bridge.
Tested on the Jersey Shore — Manasquan River bridge crabbing
Drasry
Frabill Pyramid Crab Trap — 4-sided, closes when lifted. Better for flats and shallow water than collapsible. NJ classic at Stone Harbor.
Tested on the Jersey Shore — Stone Harbor flats
Joy Fish
Promar Wire Box Trap — heavy-duty for serious harvesting. Stays put in current. The pick for repeat-use crabbing rigs.
Tested on the Jersey Shore — Mantoloking causeway repeat-use
Shurhold
Promar Crab Scoop Net — long handle, wide mouth for grabbing visible crabs from docks. Cheap insurance for what the trap missed.
Tested on the Jersey Shore — Cape May ferry terminal docks
Subtoy
KastKing Crab Snare Hand Line — old-school technique, $5-15. The kid-friendly entry point to NJ crabbing. Surprisingly effective.
Tested on the Jersey Shore — Kids crabbing at the Belmar inlet
NJ requires a free crabbing license for residents 16+. Get it at njfishandwildlife.com. Non-residents need a non-resident license. Always have it on you — Marine Police checks.
4.5-inch minimum (point to point across the back). Maximum 1 bushel/day for residents. No egg-bearing females (orange eggs visible). Always measure with a gauge or ruler.
2 hours before high tide is the sweet spot. Crabs move on the rising tide and stop at slack high. Plan around the tide chart, not the clock.
Chicken legs: cheap, last 2-3 sessions. Bunker chunks: more effective, smell terrible in your car. Whole frozen squid: best for bigger crabs.
Seasonal deals on the gear we test on the shore.
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Recreational crabbers can use up to 2 traps per person for personal use. Each trap must be marked with your name and address. Commercial limits are different and require a commercial license.
Chicken legs or chicken necks (cheap, work great). Bunker or mossbunker chunks (most effective). Frozen squid (premium). Avoid hot dogs — too soft, crabs work them too quickly.
Year-round, but peak is May-October. Below 50°F water slows blue crabs to a crawl. Best crabbing is mid-summer when crabs are at peak size and abundance.
Manasquan River bridges, Mantoloking causeway, Stone Harbor docks, Cape May ferry terminal, Brigantine inlet. All shore-accessible. See our /fishing/crabbing/ guide for full list.
Complete crabbing setup for first-timers.
Read more →CategoryBrowse all NJ-friendly crab gear.
Read more →FishingCrabbing rules and regulations.
Read more →PlanningTime your traps with the tide.
Read more →BeachesBest back-bay crabbing town.
Read more →BeachesRiver bridge crabbing capital.
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