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Ready to Go Crabbing This Summer. Grab This Essential Gear to Catch More

The Right Bait is Critical for Attracting Crabs

Summer is right around the corner, and that means it’s almost time to dust off your crabbing gear for a day of fun on the water. Catching delicious Dungeness, blue, and stone crabs requires more than just a net and bucket though. Having the proper equipment and bait on hand will help ensure your crab pots come up full. So let’s dive into the essentials you need for a successful crabbing adventure.

Quality Crabbing Nets Get the Job Done

A sturdy crab net is arguably the most important piece of equipment for a crabber. You’ll use it to scoop crabs out of the water once they take your bait. Look for hoop nets made from durable nylon or steel. The hoop diameter generally ranges from 24 inches on smaller nets up to 48 inches for larger ones. Make sure the mesh is woven tightly enough so crabs can’t squeeze through the holes. Some nets also have a polypropylene bag attachment which helps securely contain your catch.

Handle length is another key factor for crab nets. Shorter 24-36 inch handles work well for crabbing from a pier or jetty. However, longer handles around 72 inches make grabbing crabs from a boat much easier. Make sure to get a telescoping handle so you can adjust the length as needed. You’ll also want the handle to be made of a sturdy material like aluminum for strength and corrosion resistance in the saltwater environment.

Since you never know when you’ll run into a crab hot spot, keeping a few nets handy is a good idea. Having options with different hoop sizes and handle lengths will help you adapt to different crabbing conditions.

Lines and Bait Holders Set the Table

Of course your crab net won’t do much good if you don’t have lines and bait to attract those tasty crustaceans. Pick up some crabbing line spools so you can create custom leaders for your bait. Most crabbing experts recommend using a lighter pound test line like 12-15 lb. That will allow for more sensitivity when crabs start nibbling on your bait. Tie the line to circular bait cages to hold things like raw chicken, fish, or pig knuckles securely.

You can also look for ready-made crab rigs that have the bait cages already attached to save time. Just tie these directly to your main line and sink them to the bottom in your chosen crabbing spot. Making sure to use enough weight to keep the bait down is key. And having glow in the dark bait cages can help attract crabs in murky water.

Of course you’ll need a place to tie off all those bait lines. Pick up some collapsible crab traps you can easily transport and set in shallow water from beaches, docks, or bridges. Coated steel and vinyl-coated wire are popular trap materials that resist corrosion and stand up to the elements. Traps between 24 to 48 inches across generally work best.

Make sure to keep a big cooler on hand as well. Once you start reeling up lines full of feisty crabs, you’ll need a safe spot to temporarily store them. Getting them on ice right after catching helps keep them fresh for an amazing seafood meal.

Must-Have Extras and Safety Gear

Before heading out to your favorite crabbing spot, take stock of a few must-have extras. A pair of rust-resistant crab tongs helps securely pick up and transfer crabs from nets to coolers. And having a dedicated crab measuring tool ensures you only keep legal-sized crabs. Measuring across the carapace is the approved sizing method in most areas.

It’s also smart to pack a first aid kit in case any crabs decide to play rough. Keeping some extra towels, rags, and gloves on hand will also help protect against pinches and scrapes. Make sure to stow away sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of drinking water as well.

Lastly, don’t forget about essential safety gear. At minimum you’ll want to have a life jacket or floatation device, whistle or noise maker, fire extinguisher, and distress signals like flares. Foldable anchors to keep your crab traps stationary are also extremely useful. And be sure to check tide tables and weather forecasts before heading out.

Where to Buy Quality Crabbing Supplies

Now that you know the core crabbing gear and accessories needed, where are the best places to purchase everything? Local bait and tackle shops are always a good option for advice catered to crabbing in your area. Big box retailers like Walmart also sell basic nets, lines, and traps at affordable prices.

However, for the biggest selection look online. Amazon stocks tons of highly rated crabbing supplies that ship right to your door. Specialty retailers like The Crab’s Kitchen offer one-stop online stores with every crab catching product imaginable. And premium brands like Promar, Frabill, and FiveO

iSlide Sandals Provide Ultimate Comfort and Support

When searching for the perfect travel sandal, comfort should be a top priority. iSlide sandals are designed with comfort in mind, utilizing a cushioned sole that molds to the contours of your feet. The footbed features arch support to prevent fatigue, while the toe loop and heel strap ensure a customized, secure fit. Unlike flimsy flip flops lacking proper cushioning, iSlide sandals allow you to stay on your feet all day without pain or blisters. The shock-absorbing midsole softens every step, working wonders if you plan to sightsee for hours at a time. I can personally attest to the blissful comfort, having worn my iSlide sandals during a recent trip to Europe which involved miles of walking each day across various cities. Even after clocking over 20,000 steps on the cobblestone streets of Rome, my feet felt great at the end of the day thanks to the plush cushioning of the iSlide footbed. When you want stylish sandals that feel as comfortable as slippers, iSlide is the way to go. The combination of support, stability and customized fit sets them apart from average flip flops that can cause discomfort. If you’re planning an upcoming vacation or simply want sandals suitable for all-day wear, choose iSlide for optimal comfort and cushioning. With their patented designed focused on ergonomic support, these sandals can go the distance no matter how much walking your day entails.

The Lightweight Yet Durable Construction of iSlide Sandals

iSlide Sandals Review The Best Slipon Sandal for Travel and Adventure

One of the standout features of iSlide sandals is their incredibly lightweight yet durable construction. Weighing only a few ounces, these sandals won’t weigh down your bag or luggage when traveling. The lightweight design makes them ideal for activities where you don’t want clunky footwear like hiking, water sports or sightseeing on vacation. Yet despite the featherlight feel, iSlide sandals are built to last thanks to high-quality materials engineered for ruggedness. The soles are crafted from durable thermoplastic rubber that grips surfaces firmly without wearing down over time. The straps utilize rugged polyester webbing strong enough for regular use but pliable for comfort. The tops are made from quick-drying synthetic fabrics like moisture-wicking microfiber that resist odor buildup. While delicately lightweight, each component is optimized for longevity through repeated wear. After testing iSlide sandals on trips throughout the past 5 years, I’ve been continually impressed by how the sandals show barely any signs of wear. They’ve proven adept at handling everything from rocky terrain and ocean waves to miles of urban walking, all while maintaining their lightweight flexibility. So if you want sandals that pack easy, travel light and last long term, iSlide is an ideal choice. You’ll appreciate their barely-there feel during wear, coupled with sturdy construction that withstands the rigors of travel and activity. For ultimate packability plus proven durability, check out iSlide’s innovative sandal designs optimized for feathery comfort and lightweight longevity.

iSlide Sandals Cushion and Pamper Your Feet All Day

One of the highlights of iSlide sandals is the unbeatable cushioning that pampers your feet during all-day wear. The contoured footbed is ergonomically designed to provide arch support and adapt to the unique shape of your feet. The midsole features dual-layer cushioning, with a firm yet flexible base layer for stability and a softer EVA foam top layer for plush shock absorption. Together, these components cradle your feet in comfort, preventing pain and fatigue even after hours of activity. The toe loop and adjustable heel strap also ensure a customized, secure fit for all-around comfort. I can personally attest to the blissful cushioning of iSlide sandals from wearing them on a recent trip to Hawaii. Despite constant walking on beaches, hiking trails and sightseeing throughout each day, my feet felt remarkably fresh instead of sore at the end of the day. The supple cushioning softened every step across hard surfaces and uneven terrain, allowing me to fully enjoy hours of exploration without foot discomfort. So if you want sandals that feel as cozy as slippers while providing the secure fit of athletic shoes, iSlide is the choice for you. Give your feet the luxurious comfort they deserve with the patented cushioning system built into every pair. Your feet will thank you after a long day of vacationing, trail-walking, or whatever adventures you wear them on. Treat yourself to the dreamy comfort of iSlide sandals before your next getaway or busy weekend running errands about town. The plush cushioning will pamper your feet wherever the day takes you.