Crab fishing is a popular sport among fishermen. It offers a unique challenge as well as the chance to catch delicious seafood. This guide will help you catch crabs, no matter if you are a seasoned or novice crabber.
Understanding Crab Species
Before you begin fishing for crabs, you need to be familiar with the various species that you might encounter. There are many species of crabs that can be found in the wild. The most common species that can be caught for food are:
Blue Crab
Blue crabs are a popular choice for fishermen because they are readily available and have tender and sweet meat. These crabs are found on the Atlantic Coast and in Mexico’s Gulf of Mexico.
Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab is a highly prized catch along the West Coast. It is the largest species of crab found in the region. These crabs are delicious and tender, and can be enjoyed in a variety dishes.
Snow Crab
Another popular species is the snow crab, which can be found in the Northern Hemisphere’s colder waters. These crabs are highly prized for their delicate, sweet meat.
How to Choose Your Equipment
You will need the right equipment to catch crabs. These are the items you should have:
Crab Traps
Crab traps are the most popular way to catch crabs. They come in many sizes and styles. You should look for traps made of sturdy materials that have bait compartments to lure the crabs in.
Bait
Crabs will eat a variety of baits including chicken legs, fish heads and squid. Try different baits to find the best one for your area.
Gloves
Handling live crabs can pose a danger to your hands, so gloves are essential to protect your hands. Choose gloves made of thick, sturdy material that won’t easily tear.
Buckets
You will need somewhere to store your catch so make sure you have plenty of buckets. To prevent your crabs escaping during transport, make sure you have lids on buckets.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Once you have your equipment, it’s time to find the perfect spot to drop your traps. These are some tips to help find the perfect spot.
Research
Do your research about the area you will be crabbing in. You should look for areas with lots of submerged structures such as jetties, docks, and rocky bottoms. These structures will provide habitat for crabs, which will increase your chances to catch a fish.
Tidal Cycles
Crabs are most active during tidal cycles. It is important to make sure your traps are not dropped during these times. High tide is a good time to drop your traps as the crabs are actively looking for food.
Water depth
Crabs prefer shallow water so search for areas with water depths of 3 to 6 feet. These are the areas where you will find the most species of crabs.
Set up your traps
Once you have chosen your spot, it is time to set up your traps. Here’s how you do it.
Bait Your Traps
Place your bait in the bait box of your trap. You should use enough bait to attract crabs, but not too much that it falls out.
Get Rid of Your Traps
Let the traps sink to the bottom by dropping them into the water. To ensure that crabs can access the bait, make sure it is in the middle of the trap.
Secure Your Traps
To secure your traps to a nearby structure such as a dock, pier, or other structure, use a rope. This will stop your traps floating with the current.
Be aware of your traps
To check if you have caught any crabs, make sure to check your traps at least once every 30 minutes. To avoid injury to any crabs you’ll be releasing into the water, carefully retrieve your traps once you’ve caught enough.
Cooking Your Catch
Once you have caught your crabs, it is time to prepare them for a delicious meal. Here’s an easy recipe:
Steamed Blue Crabs
Ingredients:
- 1 dozen live blue crabs
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 cup salt
Instructions:
- Combine the Old Bay seasoning, vinegar, water, and salt in a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to boil.
- Add the crabs to a pot. If possible, arrange them in a single layer.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let the crabs steam in the pot for 20-30 minutes or until they turn brightly red.
- Let the crabs cool in the pot for a few minutes before removing them.
Conclusion
For seafood lovers, fishing for crabs can be a rewarding and fun activity. You can catch delicious crabs with the right equipment and patience. Get out there and set your traps to see what you can catch.
