First time crabbing in ocean city, NJ

[zerobdr78]

Hey all,

Me and a few other people are heading down to ocean city soon and we wanted to set a few hours aside to rent a boat and go crabbing. From what I gathered franks is the place to go in strathmere but has anyone had luck crabbing near strathmere? And how does the crabbing there compare to Somers point? I had heard good things about both places. I am used to crabbing from shore using lines and small pots but that was in another state, with a rental boat are crab lines primarily used or pots? One last thing that has me confused is what NJ license is necessary to crab for a non resident in NJ. I went to the NJ fish and wildlife site but it was hard to find info. On what license is needed. Thanks for all the help!

[olclamman]

  no license is required to crab in nj - except  for  comm  type  crab pots - hand lines  and traps are
   ok  good luck   limit is 1 bushel per person
                                                                           oc

    seeya down the bay ( barnegat )

[tattoo]

Have a GReat time . good luck

[zerobdr78]

Thanks all it should be fun! As far as locations go which do you guys think would be the better bet for crabbing somers point or strathmere? I had heard that somers point has more back bays and better crabbing than strathmere. The only real crabbing equipment I have are the crab "throw" lines and some cheaper (about $20 a piece) small metal wire crab pots I got from a bait shop a few years back. Would these be of any use in a boat or should I just rent equipment (if possible) from wherever I get the boat rental? Thanks again!

[elmerCrabber]

as far as location, I'm not much help. however, when I'm usually on a boat, i tie laundry detergent bottles to my traps and set them out on my way to where I'm going to deploy hand lines. after the traps are out, go sit and use your hand lines for about a half an hour, then go back and pull your traps. then move to a differant location with your traps. repeat the process for as long as you plan on going out. just remember that 4 1/2 inches is the legal keeper limit here in NJ. good luck, have fun, and most importantly,  STAY HYDRATED

[Ronster]

Somers Point crabbing is better than Ocean City.    You can rent a boat at Dolfin Dock in Somers Point.   

[zerobdr78]

 Just out of curiosity why is Somers point better than strathmere? The bay near somers point seems a lot larger. Is that area a better bet for catching a decent amount of crabs? I had called dolfin dock and they said its about $125 for a boat rental for the day which seems a bit more when compared to franks which is $89 for the day not sure which one to pick, i know strathmere's bay is a little smaller though. Thanks again!

[Ronster]

Not trying to be snarky, but Somers Point is better crabbing because historically there are more crabs here.   

[rapp414]

Not trying to be snarky, but Somers Point is better crabbing because historically there are more crabs here.   

Maybe thats what I do wrong,I don't go where the crabs are,hmm I'll have to think about this

[Ronster]

Where you are, the crabs ain't.

[rapp414]

Where you are, the crabs ain't.

I keep telling other crabbers to zig when I zag,I should start reporting where I'm going so people know where to avoid