How to go Crabbing: The Basics of using Crab Pots and Rings – Foundry Outdoors

How to go Crabbing: The Basics of using Crab Pots and Rings

Love the taste of crab, but not the pinch it has on your wallet? Then you may want to consider catching your own. Crabs can be found in many different bodies of water including salt water, estuaries, and fresh water. With diverse habitats come many different species of crabs. In fact there are over 6,700 species of crabs, however not all are the best tasting or even legal to catch and eat. Some of the most popular crab species include Alaskan king crab, Alaskan Snow crab, Blue crab, Dungeness crab, Red Rock crab, Stone crab, and Chinese Mitten crab. Before you decide on how you’re going to catch your crab make sure to check your local regulations in regards to species, limits, and equipment that can be used.

There are a variety of catching methods that one can use, for beginners using crab pots and or ring nets may be the best option. Both methods are straightforward and don’t require prior experience in order to be successful.

  1. Using Crab Pots
  2. Using Crab Ring Nets

 

1. Crab Pots

If you want to catch your own crabs, but don’t have a lot of time on your hands then crab pots are the perfect option for you! The basic function of a crab pot is to allow a crab in but not out. Working as a live trap, these pots come in a variety of shapes and sizes and for a recreational crabber small to medium sized pots will be sufficient. When choosing your pots consider a pot that is heavy enough to sit on the bottom of the surface and can withstand currents. Also ensure that the actual material of the pot is non-corrosive.

Now that you have your pot the next step is to choose your bait, you need something that will peak the crabs’ interest. This step is as fun as catching crabs, get creative and experiment with different baits such as chicken parts like necks, livers, etc. or try pieces of fish or even cow lips. The idea here is to try different things, have fun with it and learn what types of bait the crabs near you respond to the best. Some pots have bait boxes inside the pot that you can stick your bait in or tie the bait into the pot.

Next is to find a spot that you think you’ll have success, if you don’t know where to go ask around, do some research, or go on an adventure and learn as you go. To ensure that you can find your pots once you set them you must have a line and a buoy. Tie one end of the line to your pot and the other to the buoy, make sure you have your buoy marked with the accurate information required and use a sinkable line if you can to avoid losing them to boaters’ propellers.Now the real fun begins, set your pot and go about the rest of your day. Obviously be sure to check your pots in accordance with local regulations, which usually permit up to 24 hours. Though it may be hard to wait this long as the anticipation builds up to just how many crabs you might have! When you do check your pots be sure to be cautious when retrieving caught crabs as you do not want to get pinched!

 

2. Crab Ring Nets

If you desire more of an actionable approach to crabbing then using a crab ring net is for you. A ring net is quite simple, as it literally consists of a ring and netting material. Like crab pots you must have bait and some weight to ensure that your ring net makes it to the bottom of the surface. Where ring nets differ from crab pots lies within the method, as crabbing with a ring net is much more hands on.

To get started you will of course need to have a ring net with a long enough string attached to allow the net to get all the way to the bottom while still having enough line to pull it in. Once you have your net and line it is very important to find an active location where you know there are crabs. This is very important because ring netting involves catching crabs on location meaning you can’t up and leave so find a spot that has some action. Places to look for might include piers, docks, or even in a boat. When picking out a spot to use your ring net try to find an area where you can visually see your net, as it will help you know when to pull your net up.

Next secure your bait in the net. You can even tie your bait into the net or weigh it down with some weights. Either way try to center the bait in the middle of the net to give yourself the best possible coverage of catching the crab. Now for the fun part, wait until you can either see a crab over your net or wait five to ten minutes and then in a fast but smooth motion retrieve your net to the surface. Hopefully you have caught yourself a crab for dinner!

Whether you prefer pots or ring nets both offer a novice crabber the opportunity to get out in the great outdoors and partake in a fun activity that has been around for centuries. Using these guidelines you are sure to experience an enjoyable time out on the water and maybe even some success finished with a gathering around the dinner table. Happy Crabbing!





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