Tips & Tricks for Your Summer Crabbing Fun

That cooking aroma is unmistakable. Linguine and crab sauce!
 
Just makes your mouth water, no?
 
But have you ever caught them yourself?
 
Physicians First Messages is here to remind you that, when done properly, crabbing is easy and fun. And we’re going to give you a few handy tips on how to crab using standard box or pyramid crab traps off a pier.

For starters, the list of things that will make your crabbing experience better includes the following: A cooler or bushel, the traps, bait, a pocket knife, paper towels and gloves.
 
Saltwater marshes, bays and inlets are the best places to crab when you’re going to set up shop from a pier.  
 
The most common type of fish used for bait is bunker, but you may also use chicken.

It’ll be in your best interest to cut the bunker in two, then fastening it to wire or a clip in the middle of the trap.
 
As soon as your bait is secured, make sure the doors open properly. When ready, toss the trap into the water and make sure it lands flush to the bottom.

Once the trap is in the water, you must now exhibit patience. It’s recommended the trap sits for 5-8 minutes. When retrieving the trap, grab the slack before quickly pulling it to the surface.

​Lastly, here’s four important things to remember about your catch:

1. For starters, always throw females (a pouch-like bottom) back into the water.

​2. Make sure the crab is big enough to keep (most standards are at least 4 ½ inches point to point)

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​3. Next, do NOT put water in the cooler, you’ll suffocate them
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​4. Lastly, if the crab dies before you’re ready to clean it, throw it away for the meat almost immediately spoils.

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Enjoy!
 
Sincerely,
John Calhoun
Owner and operator