Family Crabbing Adventure in New Jersey Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour Blue Claw Crab catching adventure for familiesHandson trap setting and hand lining fishing techniquesSmall group experience accommodating up to four guests
Looking for a perfect family day on the water that gets everyone excited? This 4-hour crabbing trip with Retriever Fishing Charters hits different than your typical fishing charter. We're talking about a hands-on adventure that combines the patience of trap setting with the instant gratification of hand lining – all while chasing down New Jersey's famous Blue Claw Crabs. Whether you've got kids who've never touched bait or teenagers glued to their phones, this trip gets everyone involved and laughing. With just 4 spots available, you're getting that intimate, family-focused experience where I can actually teach everyone the ropes without feeling rushed.
We'll start the morning by rigging up your crab traps – and trust me, there's an art to this that goes way beyond just tossing chicken necks in a basket. I'll show you how to position your bait so those Blue Claws can't resist, plus the little tricks that separate the pros from the weekend warriors. Once we've got our traps working in prime spots, we're not just sitting around waiting. That's where the hand lining comes in – it's like fishing but more immediate, more interactive. Kids absolutely love it because they can feel every nibble, every crab checking out their bait. The beauty of this combo approach is there's always something happening. While one trap is soaking, you're actively working another line, and before you know it, we're pulling the first trap to see what we've got.
Here's the thing about crabbing that most people don't realize – it's way more strategic than just dropping a trap and hoping for the best. We use a mix of traditional crab traps and hand lines, each serving a different purpose. The traps are your workhorses – once they're set with fresh bait in the right depth and current, they're doing the heavy lifting while we focus on other spots. Hand lining, though, that's where the real action is. You're using a weighted line with bait, feeling for that telltale tug when a crab grabs on, then slowly bringing it up before scooping it with the net. It takes timing and patience, but when you nail it, especially with a big Jimmy, it's pure gold. I provide all the gear, from the traps to the nets to the bait, but I always recommend bringing gloves – those Blue Claws didn't get their name for nothing.
Blue Claw Crabs are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These guys are the ultimate prize in New Jersey waters, known for their sweet, tender meat and those signature blue-tinted claws that'll give you a serious pinch if you're not careful. During peak season – typically late spring through early fall – they're actively feeding and moving through our local estuaries and back bays. What makes them so fun to target is their aggressive nature when it comes to food. A hungry Blue Claw will hang onto bait even as you're slowly pulling it up, giving you that heart-pounding moment where you're trying to get the net under it before it lets go. The males, called Jimmies, can get pretty substantial – we're talking 6 to 8 inches across the shell for the good ones. Females, known as Sooks, tend to be a bit smaller but equally tasty. What really gets families excited is how active these crabs are – they're not just sitting there, they're moving, climbing, and showing off those claws, which makes for great photos and even better dinner conversation later.
Look, I've been running charters in New Jersey waters for years, and this crabbing trip consistently delivers what families are actually looking for – genuine fun that gets everyone away from screens and into something real. With only 4 spots available, we keep things personal and make sure everyone gets hands-on time with both the traps and hand lines. You're not competing with a crowded boat or waiting your turn – you're part of a small crew working together to outsmart some seriously tasty crabs. The memories you'll make watching your kids pull up their first Blue Claw, or seeing grandpa get just as excited as the grandkids when a big Jimmy hits the net, that's the stuff that sticks. Summer's prime time for this kind of adventure, and the best dates fill up fast with families who've figured out this is way more engaging than your typical day trip. Ready to show your crew what New Jersey crabbing is all about?
Our 20-foot Maritime Bay boat is your ticket to some serious crab catching action along New Jersey's productive inshore waters. This classic 1995 vessel got a complete makeover in 2020, so she's ready to handle whatever the day brings. The reliable 90HP Yamaha keeps us moving at a comfortable pace while the wireless trolling motor lets us slip quietly into those prime crabbing spots where the Blue Claws like to hang out. The boat's loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS keeps us on the productive grounds, while the fish finder helps locate structure where crabs love to hide. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your traps and try some hand lining while waiting for those traps to do their magic. She's built for New Jersey's inshore waters and perfect for families looking to get into some real crab action.
Atlantic City