Crabbing Starter Kit

Everything you need to catch blue crabs in the Jersey Shore back bays. A classic summer activity that's fun for the whole family.

$50-100Total Cost

10+Essential Items

FREEPrime Shipping

Crabbing is a Jersey Shore tradition. Grab some chicken necks, head to a back bay dock, and spend a relaxing day catching blue crabs with family and friends. The gear is simple and affordable, and there's nothing like a fresh crab feast at the end of the day.

Your Crabbing Checklist

Estimated Total

$50-$100

🦟Traps & Lines

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Crab Traps (2-4)$20-40
Collapsible ring or box traps
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Crab Hand Lines (2-4)$10-20
Simple and effective
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Crab Net (long handle)$15-25
For scooping crabs from traps
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Trap Line & Buoys(optional)$10-15
If using from boat or dock

📦Storage & Transport

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Bushel Basket$15-25
Traditional crab storage
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Cooler with Ice$30-50
Keep crabs alive and cool
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Wet Burlap or Towel$5-10
Cover crabs to keep moist

📏Measuring & Compliance

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Crab Measure Gauge$5-8
4.5 inch minimum size
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NJ Crab Pot License$2
Required for recreational crabbing

🤲Safety & Handling

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Crab Tongs$10-15
Safe crab handling
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Heavy-Duty Gloves(optional)$10-20
Protection from pinches
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First Aid Kit$10-15
For pinches and cuts

☀Comfort & Convenience

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Folding Chair(optional)$15-30
Crabbing is a waiting game
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Bug Spray$8-12
Greenheads are brutal
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Sunscreen$10-15
Sun protection on the water
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Cooler for Drinks(optional)$20-40
Stay hydrated

Best Crabbing Baits

Chicken Necks

The classic. Cheap, effective, stays on lines well. Buy in bulk at grocery stores.

Bunker

Oily and smelly = crab magnet. Get fresh from bait shops. Cut into chunks.

Turkey Necks

Similar to chicken but meatier. Good for longer sessions. Stays on well.

Fish Heads

Free from fish cleaning. Very oily. Tie securely or use bait bags.

Crabbing Tips

Time It Right

Crabs are most active during moving water - incoming or outgoing tide. High tide is often best as crabs move into shallower areas to feed. Avoid dead-low tide when crabs retreat to deeper channels.

Check Traps Often

Pull traps every 10-15 minutes. Crabs can escape ring traps and eat through bait quickly. Box traps hold crabs longer but still check regularly. Keep bait fresh - replace when it gets picked clean.

Keep Crabs Alive

Never put crabs in standing water - they'll drown. Use a bushel basket with a wet burlap cover, or a cooler with damp towels and ice packs (not direct ice). Keep in shade. Cook within 12 hours.

Measure Carefully

Use a proper crab gauge - 4.5 inches point-to-point minimum. Return all undersized crabs and females with eggs (orange sponge on belly). Conservation officers do check, and fines are steep.

⚠License & Regulations

New Jersey requires a Crab Pot License for recreational crabbing. The license is $2 for residents (free for seniors 70+). Daily limit is 1 bushel per person. Minimum size is 4.5 inches point-to-point. Release all egg-bearing females.

Get Your NJ Crab License

Best Crabbing Spots in NJ

Barnegat Bay

Extensive back bay system, multiple access points

Great Egg Harbor

Productive bay, public docks in Somers Point

Cape May Marshes

Creek systems, kayak crabbing popular

NJ Fishing Guide All Fishing Gear

Fishing & Crabbing Reports

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Crabbing Kit FAQs

What is the best bait for crabbing in New Jersey?▼

Chicken necks and backs are the most popular and effective bait - they're cheap, stay on the line well, and crabs love them. Other good options include bunker (menhaden), fish heads, raw turkey necks, and clam bellies. The smellier and oilier the bait, the better it attracts crabs.

Do I need a license for crabbing in NJ?▼

Yes. New Jersey requires a Crab Pot License for recreational crabbing. It costs $2 for residents (free for seniors 70+). You can get it online at fishing.nj.gov or at license agents. The license covers both traps and hand lines. Keep size and catch limits in mind.

What are the crabbing size and catch limits in New Jersey?▼

Blue crabs must be at least 4.5 inches point-to-point (across the widest part of the shell). The daily limit is 1 bushel per person. Female crabs with visible egg masses (sponge crabs) must be released. Limits can change, so check NJDEP regulations before heading out.

When is the best time for crabbing at the Jersey Shore?▼

Prime crabbing season is June through October, with peak catches in July-September. Crabs are most active during warm water periods. The best time of day is during outgoing or incoming tides, especially around high tide. Avoid the dead-low tide periods.

How much does a beginner crabbing kit cost?▼

A solid beginner crabbing kit costs $50-100. Hand lines and traps are $5-15 each - get 2-4 to start. Add a bushel basket ($15-25), cooler ($30-50), measuring gauge ($5), and basic accessories. Bait is $5-10 at most bait shops.