Absecon Bay Soft Shell Crabs

Absecon Bay Soft Shell Crabs I have been shedding out Soft Shell Crabs here at Absecon Bay Sportsman Center for at least thirty years. If you enjoy eating Soft Shell Crabs, we have them!

When they are in season I provide the best, softest crabs in South Jersey to the public, and local seafood restaurants and seafood stores. at least when they are in season. And that season is NOW. For most of the month of June I buy shedder crabs from the local commercial crabbers and keep them in tanks until they shed out of their old smaller shell and come out with a completely soft new shell.

When they are shiny and plump I pull them out of the water and refrigerate them so they are ready to head off to your House, Seafood Store or Restaurant to be cooked into a tasty treat. During the first June "Shedder Run" quantity is virtually unlimited, during this time many of my crabs are shipped to market and you may have already eaten them anywhere in the NJ, Pennsylvania Area. Many Local Restaurants come in and pick them up here and are serving Softshells Fresher by Days. If you have a seafood Shop or want to searve them in your Restaurant please give me a call, you will be glad you did. Usually after a brief dry spell thru much of July a smaller but steady supply of Softshell Crabs are avaialble. I have been working with the crabs for just about twenty years which may explain why I am so "Crabby" they keep on shedding 24 hours a day and must be removed from the water about an hour after they shed or they will harden up and go back into their usual hard crab state. When they split open their shell and begin the actual shedding process they become very vurnable and must be separated from their "Greener" more agressive tank mates. Softshell Crabs are sold by sizes and devided as follows:

Hotels - are the smallest Crabs not often encountered from the local crabs because New Jersey has a minimum of 3" for shedder crabs and almost all of the crabs caught are females which will be maturing. Primes - These are the smallest crabs I typically encounter and are especially good if you like your crabs fried up chrispy or on sandwiches. Jumbos - These are the most common crabs that I sell in this area. Perfect for any dish you desire. Whales - If you want the fattest juciest crabs this is what you want. About the size of a #1 hard crab these crabs really fill a plate. Unfortunately my supply of TRUE WHALES is usually limited and they are most common towards the end of the shed. I am proud of the culling of my crabs so I will only offer them when I can provide the best. So stop by anytime to take a look at the operation and when the shed is in full swing I can pull your crabs directly out of the water, or even better you can actually watch them shed out of their shells.

08/14/2026

They're Busting Now, jumbos and Whales. 609-484-0409

The Shedders did Bust! These Whale and Jumbo Softshell Crabs are the results of last nights shedder crab post. These ar...
08/10/2026

The Shedders did Bust! These Whale and Jumbo Softshell Crabs are the results of last nights shedder crab post. These are beautiful, super soft, Live Softshell crabs all shedded out since 6 pm. yesterday. If you want the best quality softshells, get them NOW. More are shedding as I make this poft so there may be a few more available. They are still limited, but the short term future looks promising. Current Pricing is the same as the early run, Whales, (left photo) $12 each, Jumbos, (right photo) $8 each , no volume pricing, Possible Wholesale Volume later in the week.
Want a great snack at a great price, I have a few Super Soft large stills for $2 each.
Call 609-484-0409. New Customers will have to pre-pay with a credit card.

More Shedders coming in every day. These Delaware Bay Beauties are ripe and busting Fast! They are big Shedders turnin...
08/09/2026

More Shedders coming in every day. These Delaware Bay Beauties are ripe and busting Fast! They are big Shedders turning into Jumbos and Whales. I have been getting a few dozen every night, but have been selling out. If you want dinner of super soft, sour fresh Softshells call early in the morning. We open at six. 609-484-0409.

Just an interesting side note. If you like Softshell Crabs, You probably like to go crabbing and catch your own Hard Sh...
08/08/2026

Just an interesting side note. If you like Softshell Crabs, You probably like to go crabbing and catch your own Hard Shells. This time of year Greenhead Flies really cut into the Crabbing Fun. Here is a new Greenhead Repellant. Is this Greenhead Fly Repellant as good as it's cracked up to be. My Customers Generally agree. Ted Greenberg From Channel NBC10 Philadelphia stopped by yesterday having heard from that my Tackle Shop Absecon Bay Sportsman Center situated right in Greenhead Alley has been selling a lot.
He came up with a good story and it was nice to get a shout out and make the news, even if my air-time probably totaled less than ten seconds.
So if you haven't tried Greenhead Guys , stop by and pick up a bottle today. If you have, put your experiences in the comments. I do have plenty in stock and if you buy it, the Greenhead Guys say that they'll make more. 609-484-0409

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A new plant-based greenhead fly repellent is drawing high demand as beachgoers battle the biting insects along the Jersey Shore.

Getting a little better, over 100 shedders went into the tanks yesterday, a little riper than the last few. I Finally ...
08/06/2026

Getting a little better, over 100 shedders went into the tanks yesterday, a little riper than the last few. I Finally have a full tray of 3 dozen jumbos if you are looking for a feast. Grab some quick before I offer them to my wholesale accounts. Call 609-484-0409.

Softshell Crabs are still slow, but they are coming. Here's last night's catch. If it looks like they should be your d...
08/04/2026

Softshell Crabs are still slow, but they are coming. Here's last night's catch. If it looks like they should be your dinner give me a call. $8 each or get them all $100. 609-484-0409

Sorry. These Softshells are sold, not many to bust out today. Hopefully now that we are past the full moon they will sta...
08/02/2026

Sorry. These Softshells are sold, not many to bust out today. Hopefully now that we are past the full moon they will start to shed more. Be sure to follow this page for updates. Call 609-484-0409 we'll let you know as well.

A very limited supply of Shedder Crabs are coming in, but they are shedding out to beautiful Soft Shells, Like this Mull...
07/17/2026

A very limited supply of Shedder Crabs are coming in, but they are shedding out to beautiful Soft Shells, Like this Mullica River Monster. Call ahead, but I just might have your Friday Night Dinner. 609-484-0409

07/12/2026
I got a surprise of a small batch of ripe shedders. These two whales already busted out. Nice males, maybe something is...
07/11/2026

I got a surprise of a small batch of ripe shedders. These two whales already busted out. Nice males, maybe something is starting.
Want dinner? At least these two are available. 609-484-0409

Address

Absecon Bay Sportsman Center, 81 Natalie Terrace
Absecon, NJ
08201

Opening Hours

Monday 6am - 6pm
Tuesday 6am - 6pm
Wednesday 6am - 6pm
Thursday 6am - 6pm
Friday 6am - 6pm
Saturday 6am - 6pm
Sunday 6am - 6pm

Telephone

+16094840409

Website

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