The Art of Crab Picking: A Jersey Shore Tradition

For generations, crabbing has been a beloved pastime at the Jersey Shore, a tradition that combines the thrill of the catch with the joy of a family feast. Whether you’re a seasoned crabber or new to the experience, there’s something uniquely satisfying about spending a day by the water, net in hand, waiting for that first tug on the line. Crabbing is more than just a way to catch dinner—it’s a tradition that brings people together, connecting them to the rhythms of the shore and the bounty of the sea.

In this post, we’ll dive into the art of crab picking, sharing tips on how to get started, the best spots along the Jersey Shore to catch crabs, and a classic recipe to enjoy your hard-earned catch.

Getting Started: Crabbing Essentials

Before you head out, it’s important to gather the right gear. Crabbing is a relatively simple activity, but having the right tools can make your experience more enjoyable and successful. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Crab Traps or Nets: There are a few different types of traps you can use, including box traps, ring traps, and hand lines with dip nets. Box traps are popular for their ease of use—just bait them, drop them in, and wait for the crabs to crawl in.
• Bait: Crabs are attracted to strong-smelling bait. Chicken necks, fish heads, or even raw bacon are all effective options.
• Bucket or Cooler: Once you catch your crabs, you’ll need a place to keep them alive until you’re ready to cook. A bucket filled with saltwater or a cooler with ice will do the trick.
• Gloves: Crabs can be feisty, and their claws can give a sharp pinch. Gloves will protect your hands while you handle them.
• Measuring Device: Make sure your crabs are legal size before keeping them. Each state has its own regulations, so be sure to check the size limits for your area.
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Best Spots for Crabbing at the Jersey Shore

The Jersey Shore is home to countless great crabbing spots, from bays and creeks to piers and jetties. Here are a few popular locations where you’re likely to have success:

• Barnegat Bay: This large bay is one of the most popular crabbing spots at the Jersey Shore. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for setting traps from a boat or crabbing from the shore.
• Island Beach State Park: Located just south of Seaside Park, this state park offers several designated crabbing areas along the bay side. It’s a great spot for families, with easy access to the water.
• Tuckerton Creek: A hidden gem for crabbers, Tuckerton Creek is a quiet spot where you can enjoy a peaceful day on the water while pulling in a good haul of crabs.
• Navesink River: Near the northern part of the Jersey Shore, the Navesink River is another excellent crabbing location, especially around Red Bank. The river’s shallow, brackish waters are teeming with blue crabs.
• Great Egg Harbor Bay: This bay, near Ocean City, is a prime spot for crabbing. Whether you’re on a boat or crabbing from the shore, the waters here are known for yielding good catches.

Crabbing Tips for a Successful Catch

1. Go Early or Late: Crabs are most active during the early morning or late afternoon, especially during high tide. Plan your trip around these times for the best results.
2. Bait Placement: Make sure your bait is securely fastened to the trap so the crabs can’t steal it without getting caught. In hand-lining, keep the bait low and steady to attract crabs.
3. Patience Pays Off: Crabbing requires a bit of patience. Give the crabs time to find your bait and enter the trap. When using a hand line, pull in slowly to avoid scaring the crab away.
4. Check Local Regulations: Always check the local regulations for size limits, bag limits, and crabbing seasons to ensure you’re crabbing legally and sustainably.

Classic Jersey Shore Crab Boil Recipe

Once you’ve caught your crabs, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor with a classic Jersey Shore crab boil. This simple, flavorful recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the crabs and is perfect for a casual, hands-on meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 dozen fresh blue crabs, cleaned
• 4 ears of corn, cut into halves
• 1 pound small red potatoes
• 1/2 pound smoked sausage, cut into pieces
• 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 lemons, halved
• 1/4 cup sea salt
• 1/2 stick butter, melted
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a large pot with water and add the Old Bay seasoning, garlic, sea salt, and lemons. Bring to a boil.
2. Add the potatoes to the boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes.
3. Add the corn and sausage to the pot, cooking for another 5 minutes.
4. Carefully add the crabs to the pot, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the crabs turn bright red.
5. Drain the water from the pot and transfer the crabs, corn, potatoes, and sausage to a large serving platter.
6. Drizzle the melted butter over the crabs and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot, with additional melted butter and lemon wedges on the side.



This crab boil is a true taste of the Jersey Shore—a meal that’s as much about the experience of cracking open the crabs and savoring the rich, sweet meat as it is about the flavors. Gather your family and friends around the table, roll up your sleeves, and dig in!

Crabbing is a timeless Jersey Shore tradition, offering not just a meal, but an experience that connects us to the coast and to each other. Whether you’re a seasoned crabber or trying it for the first time, the art of crab picking is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy all that the shore has to offer. So, grab your gear, head to the water, and see what you can catch!