One of the newer piers to Ocean County is the Crabbe Road Pier at the end of Crabbe Road off of Route 166 in South Toms River. The pier is approximately 125 feet long and extends out into the Toms River. The pier is both lighted and has railings with small gaps perfect for younger children. The pier ranges from just a couple of inches of water where it meets land to 5-7 feet at the end. It is only about 30 feet from the main channel there, on a point that goes around into Beachwood on one side and the begining of the Toms River on the other side. The entire area does have deeper water for the marinas on either side of the pier. Around the point to the left, is where the deepest water in this area of the River are located. The bottom is a mixture of sand and mud with some rocks scattered in. It is surrounded by marsh full of reeds, grass and cattails. The pier is only about 1 1/2 to 2 feet above the water level at high tide and 2 1/2 to 3 feet at low tide. The Pier is free of charge right now and there is ample, free parking as well. There is also a bait and tackle store in the strip mall adjacent to Crabbe Road which is very convenient.
This area of the River is more freshwater brackish than it is salt. However, all of the same "Bay" species can be caught in here. Snappers/bluefish, weakfish, fluke and winter flounder, stripers, eels, white perch and crabs are just a few of the species of fish you can expect in here. Don't be surprised if you see snapping turtles in here too. A small bay or freshwater setup will work just fine in here. 6 foot to 7 foot medium power setup with 8-12 lb test line will do you just fine. If you are going to throw you favorite bait into the area of the channel, the current does move a little quicker so you may need something capable of holding an ounce or two. Any of your favorite baits will work in here, but spearing, killies, squid and worms will work the best in here. Shore grass shrimping for weakfish in this area will produce for you as well. Your best to fish off the right side of the pier around the point.
With all of the marsh, this is a decent place to put out your killie pots or go seining. Just watch, the water level does change pretty quickly and gets deeper just a few feet from the shoreline. With the swampy marsh comes the bugs so bring your ammo of bug sprays with you.
Good luck and enjoy!
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