Man Snags the Largest Blue Crab Ever Caught in New York

It’s the kind of catch that goes down in history. A man in The Empire State set a new record for the largest blue crab caught in New York!

New York Man Catches Record Blue Crab

This record-breaking catch took place on the southern shore of Long Island in Moriches Bay. New York has specific guidelines regarding hard shell blue crabs. They must be, at minimum, 4.5 inches to take. Well, this was no problem for Hunter Tracy who set the record for the largest blue crab in the state. His catch measured an incredible 7-3/16 inches, landing him a congratulatory spot on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.

Whereas record-setting fish are weighed, blue crabs are a bit different. Instead of setting these crustaceans on a scale to determine where they land in terms of records, they’re measured. Typically, blue crabs live between three and four years. Harvesting starts when they reach 4.5 inches and blue crabs can grow up to nine inches long. The New York State Department of Conservation commented that they believe this record-setting blue crab was likely a full-grown adult in its elder years. Tracy walked away setting a new record with the New York State Record Blue Crab Award in hand, certifying his huge catch.

Crabbing in New York

With shorelines that stretch hundreds of miles, New York is a crabbing dream. It’s an easily accessible activity that can provide tons of fun for families and friends. You don’t need a special permit or any kind of license to enjoy crabbing in the state — you just have to follow the size and possession guidelines. Those in the state can go crabbing one of two ways. You can use a baited handline and dipnet to scoop your crabs or set up a collapsible trap. A non-collapsible crab pot works just as well. However, there are some additional rules if you go this route.

With crabbing being such a popular activity, the state has even put together a Blue Crab Cooking and Eating Guide to ensure you enjoy a tasty and safe meal after crabbing. Long Island Sound, Jamaica Bay is a great choice for crabbing as there’s less contamination in those waters. Crabs taken from the Hudson River and other New York City waters are subject to chemicals that may be harmful to your health. With careful preparation and cooking practices, however, you can thoroughly enjoy these meaty crustaceans.