Crabbing Season is in full swing at the Jersey Shore. Here are 5 great crabbing spots in Ocean County to snag some feisty yet delicious blue claws!

First, Some Info On Crabbing At The Jersey Shore

According to the New Jersey Department Of Environmental Protection, Of the wide variety of marine animals on the Atlantic Coast, none is more well-known by people, young and old, than the blue crab. The crab’s abundance, beautiful coloration, pugnacious temperament, and delicious flavor make it a favorite of recreational crabbers in New Jersey. Crabbing is a family sport that can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of age or sex and when compared to other forms of recreation, it is relatively inexpensive. In addition to its recreational value, the blue crab also supports an important commercial fishery.

Furthermore, Blue crabs are abundant all along the Jersey coast, in tidal creeks and rivers and shallow, saltwater bays, from the Hudson River to Delaware Bay. Although most small boats are ideal for reaching crabbing areas, almost any bank, bulkhead, bridge, or pier bordering tidal waters can provide excellent crabbing.

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One of the most popular methods is to use baited lines or traps from the bank or a boat. The most common baits are menhaden (bunker) and chicken necks, but any fresh fish will work well. Many crabbers save the racks from filleted fish for crab bait. A very inexpensive bait line can be made by tying a 6 oz. sinker and a large (8/0) hook to one end of 15 to 20 feet of cord. A short stick is tied to the other end and used to secure the bait line on the bank and to store the cord.

Most crabbers operate 5 to 10 bait lines, checking them every few minutes. When a crab is felt tugging on the bait, retrieve the line slowly and steadily until the feeding crab is close enough to be scooped up with a long-handled dip net. Don’t lift the crab out of the water with the line.

There is also a variety of wire and net traps that are used to catch crabs. They are particularly effective when used from a bridge.

When crabbing from a boat, it is a good idea to use both hand lines and traps for sometimes one will work better than the other. It is also effective to anchor your boat at the bow and stern to prevent unnecessary movement of the baits and traps. Use fresh bait. After several hours of dunking, the bait will lose much of its attractant odor and should be replaced with a fresh piece.

Another technique, especially effective for soft or shedder crabs, is to wade the shallows with a scoop net. This method works only when the water is clear and calm. Crabs can also be scooped from marsh banks and around bridge pilings and bulkheads.

One of the best and easiest methods for holding your catch is a bushel basket with a lid. Keep the basket in the coolest place possible. Your catch will keep at least a day in this manner. Avoid leaving crabs in direct sunlight, especially during the summer months. Do not put crabs in a bucket of water for they will soon use all of the available dissolved oxygen and drown. Closed containers and plastic bags will also kill your catch. To transport crabs long distances, put them in a cooler with ice.

Cooking and Picking Your Catch

According to the EPA website, Before cooking, rinse crabs in freshwater, making sure they are all alive. If a crab’s legs and claws hang limp and show no signs of movement it is probably dead and should be discarded. Crabs may be steamed or boiled, depending on your preference.

Drop the live crabs into a large pot of boiling water and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. The shells will turn a bright red. Many people add “seafood boil” or Old Bay seasoning to the water to give the crab meat a spicy flavor. After cooking, remove the crabs from the water and allow them to cool before picking out the meat.

To clean a hard crab, remove the carapace shell by lifting the apron and pulling forward. Rinse out the internal organs and finger-like gills. Then snap off the mouthparts, legs, and claws. The edible meat is contained within the claws and the two thin-shelled compartments on either side of the body. Remove the meat from the body by breaking open the compartments or by cutting across them laterally with a knife. Crack the claws open with a knife or a nutcracker.

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Crab meat spoils rapidly and must be refrigerated as soon as possible. Do not rinse the picked meat for this will remove much of its delicate flavor. Crab meat can also be frozen and stored. It should be packed tightly in freezer containers and frozen as soon as possible after picking. To prevent freezer burn during long periods of storage, pour a brine solution of one teaspoon of salt dissolved in a quart of water over the packed meat.

With soft crabs, very little preparation is needed. They should be cleaned while still alive. Cut away the mouthparts and eyestalks, lift the carapace, and remove the feather-like gills. The rest is edible. To store, wrap in plastic and freeze.

Now that you are educated in catching, cooking, and picking your crabs…

Let’s Find 5 Great Crabbing Spots in Ocean County