Have you ever wondered how to catch crabs? When I was younger and much more active I used to spend a lot of time crabbing.
It was one of my favorite past times and I love eating blue crabs.
I started crabbing at about 12 years old when my family used to go camping and stay on a place on the Chesapeake Bay! There were plenty of crabs there! The first and most important thing to do when crabbing is having the proper bait! This is not a easy, or pleasant feat.
I used to get chicken pieces and let them set outside several days, getting riper and riper every day! They were ready when there were so many flies on them you could not reach in without getting grossed out, well most people.
The rotten chicken did not bother me too much as I was used to it and knew the end results would taste so good.
Once you have let your secret bait ferment you move on to the actual act of crabbing.
There are certain tools you must have when crabbing.
One of the most important things you will need is a crabbing net that the crabs won't destroy with their claws.
You will need a good strong twine of string to tie your rotten chicken on.
Thick gloves are a great idea to protect your hands from the ever looming danger of the crab claws, just waiting to dig into your skin, especially that webbed area between the thumb and index finger.
Let me tell you, when you get pinched, it hurts horribly, and you never forget it! Pliers are also a plus if you have to get the crab off your net.
And finally, if you are lucky enough for a good catch, you need a good sized bucket to put your crabs in, and preferably something to keep on top of the bucket, as crabs will climb on top of each other to work their way out of the bucket.
To start crabbing, tie the bait to a long piece of string.
You will need to determine the length and take several things into consideration, such as if you are on shore and how deep the water is in front of you, if you are on a pier how far is it to go down into the water, and other such things that will influence the length! Once bait tied and length tied the fun begins.
Throw your chicken tied end into the water, holding the other end so you don't lose it.
Wait a while and tug on the chicken.
If it feels heavy, chances are you have a crab.
When you have your crab on your line, slowly, slowly pull the line in, inch by inch.
Have your net ready to go as well.
Once you get the crab in close enough to net, hurry up and scoop up the crab before he can get away! Once caught you will have to get him off the net and into the bucket.
Sometimes you get lucky and can turn the net upside down over the net and they will fall in.
If not use your gloves and pliers to get him off the net.
Once you are done, take home and cook in beer with Old Bay seasoning and enjoy.
If you have crabs left it is best to pick the meat and refrigerate the meat.
I love to make crab cakes if I have enough meat otherwise I make crab bisque.
What a great fun day with the kids for a warm summer day!
It was one of my favorite past times and I love eating blue crabs.
I started crabbing at about 12 years old when my family used to go camping and stay on a place on the Chesapeake Bay! There were plenty of crabs there! The first and most important thing to do when crabbing is having the proper bait! This is not a easy, or pleasant feat.
I used to get chicken pieces and let them set outside several days, getting riper and riper every day! They were ready when there were so many flies on them you could not reach in without getting grossed out, well most people.
The rotten chicken did not bother me too much as I was used to it and knew the end results would taste so good.
Once you have let your secret bait ferment you move on to the actual act of crabbing.
There are certain tools you must have when crabbing.
One of the most important things you will need is a crabbing net that the crabs won't destroy with their claws.
You will need a good strong twine of string to tie your rotten chicken on.
Thick gloves are a great idea to protect your hands from the ever looming danger of the crab claws, just waiting to dig into your skin, especially that webbed area between the thumb and index finger.
Let me tell you, when you get pinched, it hurts horribly, and you never forget it! Pliers are also a plus if you have to get the crab off your net.
And finally, if you are lucky enough for a good catch, you need a good sized bucket to put your crabs in, and preferably something to keep on top of the bucket, as crabs will climb on top of each other to work their way out of the bucket.
To start crabbing, tie the bait to a long piece of string.
You will need to determine the length and take several things into consideration, such as if you are on shore and how deep the water is in front of you, if you are on a pier how far is it to go down into the water, and other such things that will influence the length! Once bait tied and length tied the fun begins.
Throw your chicken tied end into the water, holding the other end so you don't lose it.
Wait a while and tug on the chicken.
If it feels heavy, chances are you have a crab.
When you have your crab on your line, slowly, slowly pull the line in, inch by inch.
Have your net ready to go as well.
Once you get the crab in close enough to net, hurry up and scoop up the crab before he can get away! Once caught you will have to get him off the net and into the bucket.
Sometimes you get lucky and can turn the net upside down over the net and they will fall in.
If not use your gloves and pliers to get him off the net.
Once you are done, take home and cook in beer with Old Bay seasoning and enjoy.
If you have crabs left it is best to pick the meat and refrigerate the meat.
I love to make crab cakes if I have enough meat otherwise I make crab bisque.
What a great fun day with the kids for a warm summer day!