Crabbing Question

[Hotrod]

Yes  That's something we need to do, At least before years end.  Our first Annual....

[ped579]

Count me in...Boy that sounds good right about now.

[Fishing4play]

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...

[ped579]

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.

[CAPT. JOHN K.]

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

[Luna Sea 5]

Same thing with using a stocking.  Load the bait in the stocking and tie into the net..

[BAHILA / PCramer6]

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.

[Luna Sea 5]

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.

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.

[Reckless]

 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

[Luna Sea 5]

hold chum yes.. I don't like using it to hold clams on the hook...  need to keep the bait as natural as possible.

[jerseyhunter]

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.

[Luna Sea 5]

eels are great also.

[OffTheHook13]

eels are great also.

Tastes just like chicken.

[Hotrod]

Eek...   Welcome to the site JH

[IrishAyes]

NjHunter, welcome to the site. Good info on the gigging for the eels. 

[Luna Sea 5]

almost forget.. .WELCOME

[ped579]

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.

[BuddahB]

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...   

[ped579]

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?

[hockey12]

How is the crabbing right now now at Seaside? I am thinking about going down for some fishing/ crabbing!