1. Raritan bay is most northern spot for them in the winter, then they move into the tributaries in the summer.

There are two catch seasons for blue crabs. In the summer blue crabs are found in the fresh water tributaries of the raritan bay and are then caught with traps and other methods by recreational fishermen. In the winter blue crabs move into the bay and are then commercially caught with crab dredges. Blue crabs are a well known seafood species and preparation is well established. The crabs are boiled and then the meat is removed. During its molting season a crab shell will be soft and a soft shell crab can be eaten without removing the shell.

*soft shell crab preparation *caught in pots?

Latin name: Callinectes sapidus

Taxonomy, classification

Size: can be up to 8 inches lengthwise

Weight

Season

Catch Method: pots, trotlines Catch Restrictions

1. New Jersey
2. New York
3. Federal

Sustainability Landings (tonnage) -Belford -Raritan Bay Food Description

1. rinse with fresh water and make sure they are alive, steamed or boiled.

-cook for 8 to 10 minutes until shell is red