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Recreational
Crabbing Techniques
Posted from the NJ DEP Division of of Fish &
Wildlife website
Blue crabs are
abundant all along the Jersey coast, in tidal
creeks and rivers and in 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.
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.
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