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