When we go to the beach I’m either fishing, thinking about fishing, or trying to convince others to fish with me. Luckily on the Gulf Coast “fishing” for blue crabs is the one of the easiest and most fun ways to catch your next meal. We get the whole family involved and collect enough crabs for some delicious dip or a crab boil in no time.
Here are some basic ways for you to join in on the fun:
DIP NET: All you need for this method is a long-handled net, a bucket, and a cooler with some ice (and maybe a headlamp or flashlight if you plan to go out at night). Walk along the shore and look into the shallow water for dark spots crawling across the sand. In our experience, you can often see them from the comfort of your beach chair. Slowly walk up to them and scoop them up! It seems to work better if you scoop the net from behind the crab. Sometimes it’s just that easy, and sometimes you will find yourself chasing them through the water.
HAND LINE: I use this method in the bay, around rocks or small docks and piers. We tend to hand line at night, but it can also be done during the day. Bring a rope/string, some chicken necks, your bucket and landing net, and some patience. Tie your chicken neck onto a long length of string and throw it out into the water. Let it sit for 5 minutes or more, and SLOWLY pull the string back in. You have to do this slow because the crabs will be eating the chicken neck on the other end. When you start to pull in the rope, they grab onto the neck and try to pull it back. Most of the time, you can feel the tension on the rope. Have your net ready to scoop the crab up before you pull the bait completely out of the water.
CRAB RINGS: If you have access to a dock or a fishing pier, this is one of the easiest and quickest ways to gather a large number of crabs (if you don’t have access to actual crab traps/pots). I found crab rings for sale online or at local stores when we go to the beach. Lower your crab ring with your preferred bait down into the water and let it sit on the bottom for 5-10 minutes. When you are ready, pull the basket back up quick and smooth. If you are lucky enough to have some crabs, try that spot again! If not, move down a few feet and try again. We had 3 rings “soaking” at a time.
OTHER METHODS: There are plenty of other ways to catch blue crab, such as: crab snares, traps, and trot lines. These methods require more equipment but can be very effective. However, we have never had an issue finding enough crabs using the two previously mentioned methods.
GOOD THINGS TO KNOW:
- Always check with the local Fish and Game Department for regulations and license requirements. Most states require a fishing license for catching crabs.
- Most states also prohibit keeping female crabs with eggs. Make sure to check! Flip the crabs over, the eggs are very obvious.
- Only cook crabs that are still alive. Consuming crabs that have died before cooking can cause food poisoning.
- Keep crabs in a cooler with ice to keep them alive. Put a moist towel over the ice and put the crabs on top of the towel, right side up.
- Crabbing isn’t just a night time activity. Blue crab can be found and caught at any time of the day or night.
- Crabs are great boiled, steamed, baked, and grilled.