New Jersey Crabbing Laws

New Jersey, with more than 100 miles of ocean and bay coasts, offers plenty of opportunities for the recreational and commercial crabber. Recreational crabbing laws are simple, and a license is only required for commercial purposes or for recreational users implementing crab pots or trot lines. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife offers all of the resources needed, as well as rules and regulations, for anyone interested in catching crabs in the state.

  1. Acceptable Crabbing Locations

    • New Jersey waters are a popular crabbing destination.

      In New Jersey you can crab almost anywhere except areas from the Newark Bay to the Lower Passaic River because of discovered contaminants, as of August 2011, including mercury. More regulations are placed on crab pots, which may not be used in any creek, tributary or ditch less than 50 feet deep, any man-made lagoon, any location marked restricted by New Jersey's Division of Fish and Wildlife or any area that may impede navigation.

    Crabbing Licenses

    • Hand-held crab nets do not require a permit in New Jersey.

      The New Jersey Fish and Wildlife's Bureau of Marine Fisheries requires a valid license for any recreational crabber using crab pots or trot lines. As of 2011, the license can be obtained for $2 through various license agents, found through the state's Division of Fish and Wildlife website (see Resources). Single-hand lines, hand-held scoop nets and collapsible crab traps may be used in the state without a permit.

    Recording Crab Catches

    • Reporting crab collections allows the state to monitor local populations.

      A “voluntary recreational crab pot report” is suggested for recreational crabbers to inform the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Administration about the population of crabs, by recording when, where and how many crabs are caught. Similar forms are required by commercial crabbers on a monthly basis. If commercial crabbers do not report to the Division of Fish and Wildlife, licenses may be suspended or revoked.

    Acceptable Crabbing Tools

    • Simpler forms of crabbing, such as a single-handed line, do not require a license.

      Crab pots require a recreational license and visible identification, as well as construction specifications that require a "biodegradable panel," which allows organisms to escape if the pot is lost. A crab pot is defined by the Division of Fish and Wildlife as a "cube or rectangular device ... not larger than 30 inches on a side with openings inward for the entrance of crabs." Visible identification includes the display of the valid license number of the owner, and an attached buoy or reflective paint or tape marking the crab pot. Crab pots, whether commercial or recreational, must be checked for organisms every 72 hours.

      Recreational trot lines may be no longer than 150 feet, with 25 baits maximum. Trot lines must also be marked at both ends by a buoy or stake. There are no specifications concerning single-handed lines, hand-held scoop nets or collapsible traps.

    Guidelines for Catching Different Types of Crabs

    • If crabs are undersized, they must be returned to the water.

      Recreational crabbers in New Jersey may take no more than one bushel of crabs per day. Crabs must be measured point to point and must be at least 4.5 inches if they are hard crabs, 3.5 inches if they are soft crabs or 3 inches if they are peeler or shedder crabs.

      You must release any female crab with eggs or spawn attached. Any organisms caught other than crabs or conch must be released, unless you have a valid permit for that specific organism.

    Crabbing Seasons and Hours

    • Most New Jersey waters are accessible to crabbers 24 hours a day during warmer weather.

      New Jersey waterways, except the Delaware Bay, are accessible for crabbing 24 hours a day, from March 15 until November 30, as of 2011. The Delaware Bay is accessible from 4 a.m. until 9 p.m., April 16 until December 14.

    Commercial Crabbing

    • Commercial crabbing requires a license and may be restricted to specific areas.

      Commercial crabbing in New Jersey requires a more expensive license (up to $500 for non-residents, as of 2011), and areas may be limited. Commercial crabbers may use any tools, including crab dredges, crab pots and trot lines, which may reach up to 3,000 feet. The same regulations regarding visibility and proper license identification are required as for recreational crabbing. Crab pots and trot lines may not be used in some waterways of Cumberland County, Cape May County, Atlantic County and Ocean County. A list of commercial crabbing regulations is available through the Marine Fisheries Administration website (See References).