Blue Claw Crabs Are Biting in N.J. — Here’s How to Catch Them Right Now at Island Heights

Best Crabbing in Toms River Island Heights is considered the best place in Toms River for Crabbing Location: Island Heights, West End avenue, Crabbing Pier

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Blue claw crab season is heating up fast along the Jersey Shore, and one of the best places to catch them right now is Island Heights, a beloved crabbing hotspot along the Toms River. With warm weather pushing crabs closer to the shallows, locals are reporting steady action from the piers and docks — making this the perfect time to grab a net, trap, or handline and fill a bucket.

According to recent fishing reports, Island Heights is widely considered one of the top crabbing locations in the region, thanks to its calm waters, easy access, and consistent blue claw activity.

🦀 Where to Go Crabbing in Island Heights, NJ

Here are the most reliable public spots to catch blue claws right now:

1. Island Heights Crabbing Pier (West End Avenue)

This is the premier crabbing location in Island Heights — a long, sturdy pier extending into the Toms River with plenty of room for traps and handlines. Location: West End Ave, Island Heights, NJ Info: Featured as one of the best crabbing spots in Toms River. More details: https://tomsriver.org/crabbing-at-island-heights-toms-river/

2. River Avenue Crabbing Area

A popular shoreline stretch where crabbers line the railings during peak season. Location: River Ave, Island Heights, NJ

3. Central Avenue Dock

A quieter alternative with steady crab action and easy parking. Location: Central Ave, Island Heights, NJ

4. Wanamaker Municipal Complex Waterfront

A family‑friendly spot with calm water and space for kids to learn the basics.

🦀 What You’ll Need

Handlines, box traps, or ring traps
Bait: bunker, chicken legs, or squid
A bucket or basket
A ruler for measuring legal size

📏 Crabbing Regulations (NJ)

Per New Jersey regulations:

Hard crabs must be at least 4.5 inches point‑to‑point.
Soft crabs: 3.5 inches
Peeler/shedder: 3 inches
Daily recreational limit: 1 bushel per person

Full regulations: https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/crabbing/ (dep.nj.gov in Bing)

🦀 Why Island Heights Is So Good Right Now

The Toms River’s warm, slow‑moving water creates ideal feeding conditions for blue claws. Local crabbers — including the popular Thandastones YouTube channel — frequently highlight Island Heights as one of the most productive crabbing spots at the Jersey Shore.