The Art of Crabbing

A simple, well-known and loved tradition is the art of crabbing, and one of the best places on earth to experience crabbing is the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.

There are several different methods that can be used if you want to go crabbing. For the beginner, the easiest method of crabbing is to use a hand line and crab net. The next best method would be to just take a crab net and wade through the water searching for the little buggers. This technique requires no bait and is an extremely simple, no frills way to catch live crab. Traps and pots can also be used for recreational crabbing. For commercial purposes crab pots, trotlines or a crabbing dredge are traditionally used.

For recreational purposes, or if you are just starting out, you may want to attempt the tried and true method of the string and bait technique. This technique uses chicken neck (available at your local grocer), which crabs love and the cost won’t burn a hole in your wallet. Another item you will need if you are going to try using string and chicken neck to catch crab is a dip net (a.k.a. crab net).  This allows you to scoop the crab out of the water once it starts to nibble on the bait and you have pulled them close enough to the surface to reach them. It is a good idea to have something with you to measure your catch. In most states, the legal size for a crab is 5 inches, from point to point. If it is any smaller you must release it back into the water. In order to store your catch it is good to bring along a galvanized tub, bucket, or basket (such as a wooden bushel basket), whichever you prefer.

First, you start out with some heavy string, a round rock (about two pounds to weigh down your line), some day-old raw chicken still on the bone, your crab net and a good spot to perch, such as a dock, bridge, or even on a boat and something to store what you catch. Once you have found a good spot to hang the line from, half the work is already done. Next, set the chicken on the stone and begin wrapping them together with the string until they are well secured with the stone under the chicken. Leave enough string to tie the line to a pier or boat. When the line is resting on the bottom the string should be slightly loose, not taut. Leave the line alone for a few minutes. Eventually a crab will climb on top of the chicken to feast. Occasionally feel the string in your hands. When you feel the line vibrate, slowly pull it up hand over hand. Once the crab is visible, about 8 inches from the surface, transfer the string to one hand and place the crab net in the other. Swiftly scoop up the crab with the net.

If you want to catch more than one crab at a time, it would be wise to try using a metal crab pot. For the crab pot you will also need to use bait, such as day-old raw chicken and a crab net. Find a good spot to secure the crab pot such as a pier or a buoy and have a container on hand to store the crabs once they have been caught. Turn the crab pot on its top and fill the bottom cavity with raw chicken. Seal it with the lid provided and toss the crab pot into the water, topside up, with the string tied firmly to a pier or buoy. The pot must sit for at least one turn of the tide, or about 6 hours. To bring up the pot, grab hold of the string and pull hand over hand. Open the top and shake the crabs out into the galvanized tub or bushel basket that you have brought along to put them in. Take your catch home to make a delicious meal from your fresh crab meat.