![]() ![]() ![]() When – in most locations, late summer is the most productive period.Regardless of the tide, almost everyone agrees that a moving tide is best. Many crabbers prefer a low tide, but this depends on access and local conditions. Around or under docks, piers and similar structures are especially productive. Location – crabs prefer shallow areas in bays, harbors, and estuaries.Place the clams in a small mesh bag (4 or 5 is enough), give a few good whacks against something solid to break the shells and release more scent, tie the bag to the line/in your trap, and proceed as you would with any other bait. Some people prefer clams and they are especially suited for trotlines. Almost any species or cut of chicken can be used but necks are preferred as they are both cheap and easy to secure. Fish tends to attract more crabs, especially if it is oily, but chicken lasts longer. Bait – the two most popular baits are fish and chicken.Here are some tips to help you do just that. Regardless of which method you choose your goal is to put as many crabs as possible into your cooler as quickly as possible. Deploy the line in a likely spot, let it sit and return later to pull the line and check your catch. intervals with additional weight every 25 ft (to prevent the line from floating) and add your float to the opposite end. Attach a weight to the end of the line (chain works well), tie bait in 4-6 ft. Trotline – this method requires a long line, a boat, bait, a few heavy sinkers, and a cork.Adding a weight to the bottom of your hoop net will allow it to sink quicker and driftless. Remove any you have caught, check your bait and continue. After 15-20 minutes pull the trap to the surface and check for crabs. Attach a piece of bait inside the trap/net, lower it into the water and wait. Whether you are using a collapsible box/pyramid trap or hoop net the principle is the same. Traps – many crabbers prefer to place traps, which allow you to tend a rod or spend time with your family while waiting for crabs to arrive.Another option is to run multiple lines that are tied off to stakes, either in the water or along the shore, or secured to the pier, your cooler or any stable object. Slowly pull the line in hand over hand until it is within reach with the net, position the net under the crab and either scoop it up or continue to retrieve until the crab it’s the surface at which point it will usually drop of into the net on its own. Once you see the line go tight you know you have a crab on. Tie a piece of the boat to your line, either simple cord or heavy-duty fishing line, toss it out into the water and wait for a bite. You will also need a bucket, bait and a long-handled net. Hand Line – as the name suggests this method involves using a handline.Adding a buddy will allow one person to coral crabs towards the other and increase the chance of success. ![]() This method works best at night, at which time you will want to add a headlamp to your supplies. As you approach a crab slowly dip your net into the water, either behind it or to the opposite side of your path and scoop it up. After locating a shallow area where crabs are located wade out into the water until it is about 3 feet deep and start slowly moving parallel to the shoreline. All you need is a long-handled net, bucket and an old pair of water shoes or waders. Wading – this method is the easiest and cheapest way to get into catching crabs.Which you utilize depends on personal preference and what gear you have available. There are 4 main methods used to target blue crabs. Its time to relive your childhood, or introduce your own kids to the thrill, and start filling your cooler again. But as much fun as those days were more and more adults forget how much fun that was and now pay their crabs at a local shack. It probably didn’t take long to fill your bucket or cooler and then it was time to head home and cook a feast for the entire family. If you grew up near the coast waters chance are you or your friends spent at least one summer with a bucket of bait, long-handled net and your favorite rig chasing blue crabs around the shallows. ![]() Let us help you remember why it was so fun and relearn how to do it again. Almost every kid who grew up on the water knows how to do it but for some reason forget how fun it is as they age and turn to pursue striped bass, flounder, bluefish and any number of other game species. Catching blue crabs is some of the most fun you can have on the water and also one of the easiest to master. ![]()
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