NJ Saltwater Fisherman Forums

NJ Saltwater Fishing Reports and Information => Pass The Butter! => Topic started by: woodrufflou on February 20, 2007, 01:28:07 AM

Title: Crabbing Question
Post by: woodrufflou on February 20, 2007, 01:28:07 AM
I went out on a boat last year with my uncle crabbing. He swore to me that this old guy he used to work with told him, when using drop lines, put the chicken in womens stockings and the claws would get wrapped up and caught in there and they wouldn't be able to un-tangle themselves while your pulling the line up. Is there any truth to this? If so, is this even legal?
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: catfish hunter on February 20, 2007, 08:17:33 AM
I could see how it works ,I know some old times at my ramp do the same thing for eels
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Flukedood on February 20, 2007, 11:12:35 AM
I never heard of that but it sounds like a great tip...
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: woodrufflou on February 20, 2007, 12:45:46 PM
yea, it sounds like it would work.  But i wasnt sure if it was legal. I guess it is. Ill have to try it.
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Chris n on February 20, 2007, 04:07:14 PM
Lou thats a really great way to get the ones that bite for a second and leave..When I went with my neighbor we did that and most were just hanging on. Pretty sure its legal.
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: woodrufflou on February 20, 2007, 09:35:33 PM
great to know chris. Ill have to try it this year!
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Fishin Dude on March 22, 2007, 01:41:25 PM
Sounds reasonable, I'm going to have to give it a try . Blueclaws do make good Striped Bass bait. Just cut one in half and put the hook in one leg socket and out of another . They use them alot in the Virgina Surf, but not many people in Jersey want to part with a few from their meal.
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: woodrufflou on March 22, 2007, 07:30:12 PM
Yea i see what you mean by untangling them. That might be tough. Im still gonna have to give it a try
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: woodrufflou on March 22, 2007, 08:15:14 PM
i usually start at the end of june.
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Luna Sea 5 on April 04, 2007, 10:17:34 PM
My grandfather told me the same thing.  I works 2 ways, first is how you described, second, it allows your bait not to fall apart or get torn in half and will last you much longer.  You can also fill the stocking with fish guts that you usually can't put directly on a drop line.
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: CAPT. JOHN K. on April 21, 2007, 01:01:55 AM
Gentlemen:
         The nylon trick works very well. There is only one thing that really bothers me. I really wish that people would stop using raw chicken for crab bait. If your wife takes so much care to wash all her knives & cutting boards after handling the raw chicken and you're out in the hot 85-95 degree sun and the kids are touching the raw chicken & possibly touching their fingers near their mouths I get really scared. Does the word"SALMONELLA" ring a bell?  Gee, I can't understand why little Billy is so sick.
       People eat chicken....crabs eat fish!
 Chicken when thrown overboard, after use, doesn't biodegrade too well. The fatty skin in particular.
       Raw chicken+hot weather+kids=sickness.
                          Capt. John K.

    "Time spent fishing is time well spent"
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Capt. Ed on April 21, 2007, 01:13:29 AM
Hi Capt.,

Good point ... never really thought of it like that. I have always used chicken since a tiny tot running around the Lavallette fishing docks in the 1960s.

Time to change my ways ...

This is exactly the type of information that I like ... It makes you think.

Have a great weekend,

Capt. Ed
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: ped579 on April 21, 2007, 01:25:35 AM
Hay guys try this one on for size.  Don't like the heat of the day or getting sunburn?  Go night crabbing with a flashlight or portable spot light.  The crabs like to come to the surface at night and will follow your beam of light right to the dock all you have to do is scoop them into your awaiting net.

I have been doing this for years on the docks off Seaside Park since the late 50's.
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Luna Sea 5 on April 21, 2007, 09:32:15 AM
OLD school method, it works great but not as much fun.  Do it under the bridges at night along the posts.
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: ped579 on April 21, 2007, 09:44:00 AM
Hay I'm old school material by todays standards...but I can still out do my daughter who is 17 ha ha ha...
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Luna Sea 5 on April 21, 2007, 10:22:55 AM
Hay I'm old school material by todays standards...but I can still out do my daughter who is 17 ha ha ha...

Who cares how you get them, as long as they make the grill.....  YUMMY>..   they are my all time favoriate food.
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Uncle Luna on April 21, 2007, 10:43:39 AM
My nephew Nicky makes the best stuffed
crabs on the grill I ever ate. Butter
garlic, parmesean cheese.

         Uncle Luna
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Capt. Ed on April 21, 2007, 11:03:49 AM
Hi Nick,

That is the bottom line!

After you win the "crab tournament," I may have to hand deliver the check to you. Of course, it will have to be on a crab on the grill day (LOL).

Best wishes,

Ed
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Hotrod on April 21, 2007, 08:10:40 PM
My nephew Nicky makes the best stuffed
crabs on the grill I ever ate. Butter
garlic, parmesean cheese.

         Uncle Luna

Hey Ungle Luna..  MAn They sound good..  When the cook out Nick?
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Luna Sea 5 on April 22, 2007, 04:32:58 PM
Well, pick the place and I will provide the crabs.
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Hotrod on April 22, 2007, 07:00:56 PM
Yes  That's something we need to do, At least before years end.  Our first Annual....
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: ped579 on April 22, 2007, 08:57:11 PM
Count me in...Boy that sounds good right about now.
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Fishing4play on April 22, 2007, 10:42:05 PM
Hay guys try this one on for size.  Don't like the heat of the day or getting sunburn?  Go night crabbing with a flashlight or portable spot light.  The crabs like to come to the surface at night and will follow your beam of light right to the dock all you have to do is scoop them into your awaiting net.

I have been doing this for years on the docks off Seaside Park since the late 50's.
5th Ave dock was my favorite... The last 2 weeks of August from 1975 through the early 90's you would find me and my net there just about every night... 8)
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: ped579 on April 22, 2007, 10:54:20 PM
That is where we crabbed also a friend has a place on 10th Ave. and every weekend a whole group of family and friends would gather there and have fun.  Spotlight crabbing lives...

I now live in Toms River for over 40 years and except for the taxes it is like being on vacation every week especially during the summer months.  We now reciprocate the favor to those same friends.
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: CAPT. JOHN K. on April 28, 2007, 10:45:21 AM

Here's a lttle tip that I use when crabbing with the small 2 & 4 door crab traps.( not the Maryland style) When putting the bait (bunker,fish head,etc.) I use a piece of window screening large enough to enclose the bait, then fold it in half and tie the whole thing to the trap. This way the scent gets out and the crabs won't destroy the bait as it get mushier from being water logged. Helps to extend the bait usage.

                           Capt. John K.
                           TAT-TAT TOO III
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Luna Sea 5 on April 28, 2007, 11:25:39 AM
Same thing with using a stocking.  Load the bait in the stocking and tie into the net..
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: BAHILA / PCramer6 on May 04, 2007, 12:27:31 PM
The stocking  idea is really interesting and I've never heard of it.  I'll try that out when i go out by myself this summer.  When im with my girlfriend i'll crab the old way.  I like having someone to blame when the crab jumps off the line right at the surface. t^
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Luna Sea 5 on May 04, 2007, 05:31:48 PM
The stocking  idea is really interesting and I've never heard of it.  I'll try that out when i go out by myself this summer.  When im with my girlfriend i'll crab the old way.  I like having someone to blame when the crab jumps off the line right at the surface. t^

With the stocking, it will hold in the guts of any fish you use for bait, AND, most importantly, there legs get caught up in the stockings and will make it more difficult for them to let go. It give you that extra couple of second to net them.
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Reckless on December 13, 2007, 05:56:02 AM
 Anyone ever use a stocking to hold chum? Or even to hold clams on a hook? Then we have the enviromental issue. Nylons floating around in the water? I can imagine a bird swallowing one.

Frank
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Luna Sea 5 on December 13, 2007, 10:59:02 AM
hold chum yes.. I don't like using it to hold clams on the hook...  need to keep the bait as natural as possible.
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: jerseyhunter on March 31, 2008, 11:28:21 AM
Hints for those who go crabbing at night(scapping). I used to insert a bushel basket into an old innertube, then tie to your belt , old sneakers, shorts and a light. A crabnet on one end of a wooden handle/pole and a gig on the other. Scoop up the crabs and when you come across a nice size eel in the grass, just turn the net around and jab.  You now have the makins for pickled,fried or smoked eels.
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Luna Sea 5 on March 31, 2008, 12:04:06 PM
eels are great also.
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: OffTheHook13 on March 31, 2008, 12:04:58 PM
eels are great also.

Tastes just like chicken. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Hotrod on March 31, 2008, 12:15:08 PM
Eek...   Welcome to the site JH
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: IrishAyes on March 31, 2008, 12:50:43 PM
NjHunter, welcome to the site. Good info on the gigging for the eels.  t^
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Luna Sea 5 on March 31, 2008, 01:59:13 PM
almost forget.. .WELCOME
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: ped579 on March 31, 2008, 02:45:02 PM
Welcome JerseyHunter,

Good idea, haven't had eel since my father-in-law passed.  We use to pickle them, good eats with fresh rye and a beer.
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: BuddahB on May 19, 2008, 11:26:58 PM
Seaside Park since the 50's? I guess we've crabbed along side of one another at one time or another. Used to buy the bunker from "ALS BOATS"  at the 13th ave. pier...  How's that for jogging your memory...  grtn  t^
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: ped579 on May 20, 2008, 12:02:20 AM
Hey BuddahB,

Maybe we have.  We use to get our bait at the small B&T on the corner of 10th and Central.  I now go there every once and a while, it is owned by the grand daughter of the original owner. It is now the 3 C's luchenette, great food.

Do you still live in the area?
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: hockey12 on June 13, 2008, 08:15:45 AM
How is the crabbing right now now at Seaside? I am thinking about going down for some fishing/ crabbing!
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: surfrocket on July 17, 2008, 10:43:18 PM
this post is funny i cant believe i havent checked it out sooner.the only thing i want in stockings is some hott chick,and if she mentions clams or crabs in there,  im out of there.lol   i am actually taking my daughter and my x crabbing tomorow after work, i will give the report. we are going to my favorite bridge, i'll do some fishing too. let you guys know how it works out.
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: ped579 on July 17, 2008, 11:30:39 PM
I will stop at the two docks in Seaside and find out for you guys.  Dock Sider Outfitters and Seabreeze boats.  Both should be pretty good right about now.  If you are looking to rent a boat both places have them as well.

Plus you have a number of small piers in Seaside Park that I believe are accessible at night for crabbing at no cost.

Here is a hint if you are going to use bunker as bait and are going to pay a B&T shop ask for the crabbing bunker, it is cheaper.  Right now the going rate for fresh bunker around here is $2.00 a bunker.  That could get expensive quick.

Happy Catching

Paul
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: ChrisL on July 18, 2008, 07:02:13 AM
I hit the south pier by Dock Outfitters Tuesday morning on incoming tide for just under 2 hours.  Had a little over 1/2 dozen keepers and 20-30 shorts with 2 traps on bunker.  Others seemed to be getting similar results.  Even with the number of shorts, the keepers were good size (5 1/2 - 6 inch).

Dock Outfitters get $1 for crabbing bunker, but if you're gonna cut it up, be careful, it's frozen solid as a rock. 
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: ped579 on July 18, 2008, 05:03:30 PM
Did you ask if they could cut it up for you?  I know Seabreez boats at the North pier will hack it in pieces for you just ask.

Paul
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Mr Limpett on July 18, 2008, 06:05:33 PM
I was just thinking that it would be nice to take the wife crabbing, but realized that you
have to have a boat operators licence to rent
a boat with an outboard! Right?
-Mr Limpett
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: IrishAyes on July 18, 2008, 10:40:15 PM
If I remember correctly, the boat rental has to give 'safety instructions' to the renter. No safety cert is needed.
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Pfishingruven on July 18, 2008, 11:57:37 PM
Paul,

       Where did the rumor ever come from that spotlighting crabs is/was illegal?  Just curious...I have always known that it is not illegal, but I have heard people tell me you are not allowed to crab that way??

 5hrug
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: ped579 on July 19, 2008, 12:02:33 AM
I don't know but as kids we used to do it all the time.  5hrug

If someone can show me the ruling then we all will know.  Its just like driving barefoot some say it is illegal but my college buddy is a First Sgt on the NJSP and he says there is no law that says you can't

Myth or Fact?  SHOW ME...  grtn
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Pfishingruven on July 19, 2008, 12:06:51 AM
YEAH!!  I think it is a MYTH.  I actually search all of the NJ FGW laws and didn't come up with anything.  My father always told me it was a myth also...I am a night person, so I might just give it a try in the near future. 

Love eating those crustaceans!!

 TT^
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: ped579 on July 19, 2008, 12:17:23 AM
I have to agree.  Here is the PDF of the only law written for crabs:

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/pdf/non-comm_crabpot_regs.pdf

Nothing in there states anything about no lights.

Paul
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: bayonne on July 27, 2008, 08:13:39 AM
Sounds reasonable, I'm going to have to give it a try . Blueclaws do make good Striped Bass bait. Just cut one in half and put the hook in one leg socket and out of another . They use them alot in the Virgina Surf, but not many people in Jersey want to part with a few from their meal.



ive used calico crabs befor and have caught stripers on them
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: TRSteve71 on July 27, 2009, 11:18:08 PM
Going to have to grab my big mag lite and the new cages and go crabbin! Can taste em now..
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Kodiak814 on August 17, 2009, 11:27:06 PM
Man, load of posts on this wonderful ART....I grew up vacationing in Lavallette and as time wore on, I invested in a 12 foot boat with 10 horse engine, my father, being the engineer he was saw an opportunity there, we used to buy bunker, buy traps and then crab...or....buy spearing and fish from the piers.  With the boat, we invested in a 20 foot seine net, we would boat out to the various beachy islands in Barnegat Bay there, seine in the morn for an hour or so and gather about a 20 gallon bucket filled with spearing, killies and various other bait fish wandering through that day.  We would then proceed to the Mantoloking Bridge duringa nice tide change, chum sparingly the spearing and catch snappers till our hearts content(There was no limit in those days and 50 to 100 was normal 2 to 3 hours catch), then we would proceed anywhere we thought looked "crabby", drop lines with 2 or 3 snappers strung on and slits in there bods and catch crabs till all bait was gone!  Only money spent, GAS!!  Not a bad deal...but alas, boat sits hidden in weeds in Sussex County with more bees nests in the seats then ever they saw butts.  LOL  Some day get my kids to do it that way, VERY NATURAL!  Except the gas use of course!
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: hook on October 05, 2009, 09:54:49 AM
Good technique, my Grandfather used it for  keeping the bait on better as well as slowing down the chum process not for tangling the crab up. It also helps the killies from tearing up the bait
Good Luck
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: JollyJoJo on May 23, 2012, 11:41:02 AM
Capt Ed very well said, ym bf did somethnig simlar to this very recently, and I am stunned that he was silly enough to allow himself to do it!
I know when you're out on the boat or on the'rock' you dont neceserily think your hands need washing every 5 minutes but the collection of germs and bacteria combined with the the rest of money handling/sweat etc and long time away from it all made him very ill. Thankfully salmonella wasnt the case but it was very nasty and he ahs learnt ever since bless him..
We think fish actually works better anyway!
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: BigAl13 on May 23, 2012, 06:06:53 PM
Hay guys try this one on for size.  Don't like the heat of the day or getting sunburn?  Go night crabbing with a flashlight or portable spot light.  The crabs like to come to the surface at night and will follow your beam of light right to the dock all you have to do is scoop them into your awaiting net.

I have been doing this for years on the docks off Seaside Park since the late 50's.


I do this as well, though one time a guy from f&g told me it was poaching and illegal, he didnt write me up but since then have been wondering if I am breaking the law :headscra:
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: overbite on June 24, 2012, 12:10:30 PM
 5hrug Just a thought and a fact do commercial or recreational crabbers remove all the traps at sun down NO  nosmly Do they retrieve them at Night  :-* YES. Scalping has been done eons in Nj and elsewhere, And by far not against the Law. When I was kid Catching Soft shell crabs on the Flats of Barnagate  Bay at Sea Side N ST and Beyound at low tide was at "Night"  t^ was the way to go with a Bushel basket in a Inner tube a dip net and a flash light, Plus throw in a dozen Eels or more and life was good. and so was the extra Money. Bill
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: IKAT on June 24, 2012, 12:24:03 PM
 smk  What do you care your a Cheater anyway   t^

JUST KIDDING BILL  slt
Night crabing is one of things I really miss--Just anchor up with some friends and in a few hours your good to go--A few Q-BEAMS shinning in the water and some box traps BS-n --no hot sun and miss the traffic on the way home.
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: HookedupND14 on October 24, 2012, 04:22:53 PM
yes ive heard the stocking method ,  never used it but we usually drop commercial traps ,  its starting to slow down now but 2 weeks ago they were out and hungry,  i think the full moon will be one of our last attempts
Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Luna Sea 5 on October 24, 2012, 05:08:22 PM
Last weekend I got only a dozen jumbos.. Last year at this time, this is what I caught.

Title: Re: Crabbing Question
Post by: Scott G. on October 25, 2012, 07:11:08 AM
 t^ GREAT VIDEO  t^