Well, let me tell ya, if you’re lookin’ to go crabbing around Point Pleasant, you’re in for a real treat! Crabbing down there ain’t nothin’ like it, and folks been doin’ it for years. You don’t need to be fancy with no big boat or expensive gear, just a couple of simple tools and a little patience, and you’ll be pullin’ up crabs left and right. Let me walk you through it so you know exactly what you’re gettin’ into.
Best Time for Crabbing in Point Pleasant
Now, if you’re serious about catchin’ crabs, timing’s real important. The best time for crabbing around here is when the tide’s just right. You wanna go crabbing about 2 hours before or after high and low tide. Why, you ask? Well, when the tide’s at its peak or at its lowest, the water gets all calm and still, and that’s when the crabs come out to play. They ain’t too keen on swimmin’ around in choppy water, so when it’s calm, you got a better shot at catchin’ ’em.
Also, early in the morning is the best time. Now, I ain’t sayin’ you can’t catch crabs later in the day, but the longer the sun’s up, the more the crabs start to wander off, findin’ their hidey-holes. So if you wanna fill up your bucket, get out there early!
Where to Go Crabbing in Point Pleasant
If you’re wonderin’ where the best spots are for crabbing in Point Pleasant, well, you got a few choices. You don’t need to go out on no fancy boat, just a few good spots along the shore will do.
- Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk: This place’s always busy, but if you find the right spot, you can catch a good mess of crabs. It’s right on the water, so the tide’s easy to watch. Lots of people like to set up here, so you ain’t gonna be alone.
- Bay Head Beach: This spot’s a little quieter, and you can usually find some crabs here, especially around dawn. It’s a great place if you got a little boat or a crab trap you wanna throw out.
- Mantoloking Bridge: If you drive a bit out of Point Pleasant, you can try crabbing at Mantoloking Bridge. This place is known for having plenty of space, and folks been catching crabs here for years.
Now, if you wanna head a little farther out, there’s also Jake’s Crab House, just a short drive from Point Pleasant Beach. They know a thing or two about crabs there, but it can get a bit crowded, so best go early if you want a spot.
Crabbing Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to crabbing, don’t worry, it’s real simple. First, get yourself a decent crab trap or just use a simple line with some bait on it. Crabs love things like chicken necks, fish heads, or even bacon. Just tie it to your line, drop it in the water, and wait for the crabs to come to you. If you don’t got a trap, you can still use a net to scoop ‘em up once they grab hold of that bait.
When you catch a crab, make sure to check if it’s legal to keep. Some crabs might be too small, and you don’t want to get in trouble for takin’ the little ones. Usually, a good rule of thumb is the crab should be at least 4 1/2 inches across the shell. If you ain’t sure, just throw ’em back. Let the little ones grow up for next season!
Crabbing Season
Now, you may be wonderin’ when the best time of year for crabbing is. Well, the prime season’s usually from late spring to early summer, and then again from late summer to early fall. That’s when the crabs are out in full force, ready to bite. And if you wanna get the most out of your crabbing trip, the incoming tide’s the best time to be out there. When the tide’s comin’ in, the crabs are movin’ around lookin’ for food, so that’s when you’ll have the best luck.
Other Things to Know
Now, don’t be thinkin’ you’re gonna catch crabs all day long. Sometimes you gotta be patient. It might take a little while for them to find your bait, but that’s part of the fun, ain’t it? And remember, if you’re takin’ a boat out, you don’t gotta go far off the shore to catch crabs. They’re all around, you just gotta know where to look.
Another thing, don’t forget to bring some snacks and drinks. Crabbing can take a little time, and you’ll be out there for hours, so it’s good to have something to munch on while you wait for the crabs to come around.
Conclusion
If you ask me, there ain’t no better way to spend a day than out crabbing in Point Pleasant. It’s simple, it’s fun, and it’s somethin’ you can do with the whole family. Just make sure you got the right gear, pay attention to the tides, and don’t forget your patience! Before you know it, you’ll be headin’ home with a bucket full of crabs, ready to cook ’em up for a nice big meal. And remember, it ain’t about how many crabs you catch, it’s about enjoyin’ the day and havin’ a good time. Happy crabbing!
Tags：[Point Pleasant Crabbing, Crabbing Tips, Best Crabbing Spots, Point Pleasant Beach, Crabbing Season, NJ Crabbing, Crabbing with Kids, Point Pleasant Crabbing Locations, Crabbing Advice]
