crabbing in wildwood NJ

[Fallfisherman]

 I will be vacationing in Wildwood NJ this August, I have access to a boat. I am on the water ( bay ). I have not been there in years, what are the regulations , can I use crab traps, do I need a license, what is the max crabs I can keep, size etc. Finaaly where is a good area to crab? Thank you

[squidly]

i think it's about time you go to nj fish and wildlife web site. all your answers are there.   

[Fallfisherman]

The NJ wildlife site has zero information, that is why I was hoping to get some local, friendly info

[squidly]

what you talking about?  that web site has everything you asked.  with the exceptions of spot to crab.  it tells you size, what traps you can use, what traps require a permit for the number of traps allowed. plus much more info. don't be lazy, go into it and do some research.  what do you want, someone to catch them for you too?

[Fallfisherman]

got it, was on the wrong web site. Now  any specific area in wildwood  area is better, i was going to use ten collapseable traps with razor calm as baits.

[squidly]

glad you found site.  i would try calling bait and tackle places. you should be able to find them on internet. they would have the most up to date info. some rent boats some don't. but if you want to enjoy your vacation it's worth it to learn all you can. maybe read some past post on this site.  lots of info to read.  good luck.

[Jumboblueclaws]

Stay away from the ocean side where there is a more sand bottom and main boat traffic areas and motor up the smaller finger creeks that are cut into the main intercoaster waterways around the rt 47 area where the traffic and currents are slower and there is more MUD than sand and you should do well. Traps w bunker or flounder and bluefish frames work great there.  Just make sure the frames are legal size. You can get winter flounder frames cheap at the local seafood stores along Park Blvd.

[Ronster]

got it, was on the wrong web site. Now  any specific area in wildwood  area is better, i was going to use ten collapseable traps with razor calm as baits.

I wouldn't mess about with razor clams.   Stick to chicken or bunker down there.

[Fallfisherman]

thanks , appreciate the feedback

[Jumboblueclaws]

I think the area that im thinking of is called the Otten's Harbor area if you can find a local waterway map , which is behind Sterling Harbor bait shop and pier 47 marina if i'm correct of the name. Look for shallow finger creeks and flats, just be careful because the banks slope up quick near the shore and the some flats can leave you stranded at low tide but that is wherre the blue crabs are. The deeper spots closer to the ocean will leave you nailed w a mess of spider and calico crabs and annoyed w all the jetskis and major boat traffic.

[Skiff]

 I used to crab turtle creek,  The issue with wildwood or any shore location is the boat and jet skis traffic,  Stay in the small creeks Go early and get off the water by 10 am   good luck there is plenty of crabs down that way  Fred from No bones bait shop can put you on the crabs also   Just stop in pick up some bunker and ask