Did you go crabbing in New Jersey
and catch a jimmy? If you didn’t, you’re going to want to keep crabbing.
The term jimmy refers to a male blue crab.
Jimmies are generally considered to be a good size for eating, often having a generous amount of meat, including jumbo, lump, and claw meat.
Jimmies typically measure up to 6.5 inches across the shell, which is far larger than
the New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Division regulated crab size
.
The size of a jimmy blue claw crab can vary, but generally, they are categorized into different size ranges:
-
Jimmies:
Typically range from 5.5 to 6.5 inches from point to point across the shell.
-
Bays:
Generally smaller than jimmies, running between 5 and 6 inches.
-
Jumbos:
Larger than jimmies, usually starting from 6.25 inches and potentially reaching up to 7 inches.
Jimmies are known for their meaty claws and bodies, making them a popular choice for crab dinners.
They offer a variety of meat, including jumbo, lump, and claw meat.
To catch blue claw crab jimmies, use baited lines or traps from a dock, bank or boat.
Popular baits include menhaden (bunker) and chicken necks.
If you haven’t caught a jimmy, keep trying. It’s definitely worth the time.
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