One of my fondest memories as a kid at the Jersey Shore was waking up early to go crabbing. Lucky for us, the Garden State has lots of spots to score some crabs; From Long Beach Island to Toms River and Cape May, here are the best crabbing spots in New Jersey.
If you’re new to crabbing, here is a great tip to keep in mind; hand held crab nets and collapsible traps do not require a crabbing license in New Jersey. If you use crabbing pots or trot lines, however, you’ll need to purchase a $2 crabbing license. (Which you can acquire through the state’s Division of Fish and Wildlife website.)
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region to find the Best Crabbing Spots near you.
Jersey Shore | South Jersey
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Jersey Shore
Berkeley Island County Park
Location: 399 Brennan Concourse, Bayville
Details: This park is a prime spot to catch crabs (big ones!), in particular during August and September. In fact, the locals come here too, so you know it’s a good spot.
Why I like it: There’s plenty to do in addition to crabbing. For instance, there’s a kids’ spray park, horseshoe pits, bocce courts, a playground, grills, and a picnic area.
More info: Click here to visit the website.
Grassy Sound Marina
Location: 13 N Wildwood Boulevard, North Wildwood
Details: The 246-foot long pier at Grassy Sound Marina is open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily; it also has landing nets, a cleaning station, a picnic area, and restrooms. You can spend the day crabbing or fishing for just $6 (adults) and $3 (children).
Why I like it: Frequent crabbers can save money by purchasing a weekly or monthly pass at a discount.
More info: Click here to visit the website or you can click here to give them a call.
Lakeview Docks
Location: 7118 Park Blvd, Wildwood Crest
Details: The fishing and crabbing pier at Lakeview Docks is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. You’ll also find cages, bait, and everything else you’ll need to get set up. This spot even has boats, kayaks, and waverunners available for rent. Pier admission costs $7 for adults and $5 for children (under 10); but you can come and go throughout the day as you please.
Why I like it: Lakeview Docks includes life jackets with your admission fee.
More info: Click here to visit the website or you can click here to give them a call.
Mantoloking Bridge Fishing Pier
Location: 30 Mantoloking Bridge, Brick
Details: The new 70-foot-long fishing and crabbing pier is a picturesque place to spend the day. In fact, you’ll get to enjoy a picnic area, shaded gazebo, and lighted paths set along Barnegat Bay.
Why I like it: The park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; in other words, you can get an early start on your crabbing.
More info: Click here to visit the website or you can click here to give them a call.
Navesink River
Location: Monmouth County
Details: You’ll find crabs galore in the Navesink River; in fact, fishermen will tell you that crabs often get their bait quicker than the fish can! Meanwhile, you can rent a row boat or motorboat at Red Bank Marina for a day on the water.
Why I like it: Navesink River is also home to bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, and many more species.
More info: Click here to visit the Red Bank Marina website.
Patcong Creek
Location: Somers Point
Details: Patcong Creek is known as one of the best places to go crabbing on the Jersey Shore. In fact, it hosts the annual “Assault on Patcong Creek”, America’s largest crabbing tournament. If you want to see who catches the largest crab, the 2021 event takes place June 25 & 26.
Why I like it: Locals say there aren’t many bugs on this creek, good news for mosquito haters.
More info: Click here to visit the Patcong Creek Foundation website.
Ray Scott’s Dock
Location: 9211 Amherst Ave, Margate City
Details: If you’re looking for a non-DIY crabbing experience, Ray Scott’s Dock is the place for you. Their experts offer guided trips of the best crabbing spots on the bay. Of course, you can still rent a boat, stock up on supplies at the store, and head out yourself.
Why I like it: Ray Scott’s Dock is open daily during the summer, from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.
More info: Click here to visit the website or you can click here to give them a call.
South Green Street Park
Location: 1199 S Green Street, Tuckerton
Details: South Green Street Park is open 6:00 am to dusk each day; it also has a newly renovated 60 ft fishing pier. This is always a popular spot to find crabs, but there’s one other benefit; plus it’s right by the Dockside Cafe, where you can break for lunch.
Why I like it: Parking and a restroom make this a convenient spot to set up for the day.
More info: Click here to visit the website.
West End Avenue Crabbing Pier
Location: Island Heights Boardwalk, Island Heights
Details: This public dock near the Island Heights Boardwalk is known to be hopping with crabs. It’s also a beautiful spot on the bay to view all the boats going by. However, you must have a badge or tag issued by Island Heights in order to crab here.
Why I like it: You can put your catch on ice and spend some time on the boardwalk.
More info: Click here to visit the website.
South Jersey
Bass River Bridge
Location: Route 9, New Gretna
Details: I’m not sure why, but it seems like you can always find crabs near a bridge. The Bass River Bridge is no exception; in fact, locals say the higher the tide, the bigger the crabs at this spot.
Why I like it: Bass River Bridge is still a hidden gem, so it doesn’t get too crowded.
More info: Click here to visit the website.
Dividing Creek Boat Rentals
Location: 988 Main St, Dividing Creek
Details: Rent a boat at Dividing Creek Boat Rentals and then follow the signs to the “crabbing hotspots”. We recommend reserving a boat ahead of time to make sure one is available when you arrive. You can also purchase all your crabbing supplies in the bait shop; while you’re there, you can also grab some of their famous crab spice!
Why I like it: The store’s customer assistant will check on you throughout the day; and even deliver more bait if you need it!
More info: Click here to visit the website or you can click here to give them a call.
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Top (Hero) Photo: © Red Bank Marina / Website
Other Photos (in Order):
Ray Scott’s Dock / Website
Diving Creek Boat Rentals / Website