If you are heading out for the crabbing season, you're going to need supplies!
Crabbing is a fun activity that you can enjoy doing with your family, and can also become a commercial business. There is nothing better than having a delicious fresh dish that you caught. If you have been out for a day of crabbing, you should have a rough idea of some of the supplies needed.
It is a good idea to have a checklist. There is nothing worse than getting ready to start crabbing and then realizing you don't have some important supplies. There are some items you may have, but there are some you have to go out to the store and get them. Below are some crabbing supplies you will need for a successful crabbing trip.
It is a good idea to have a checklist. There is nothing worse than getting ready to start crabbing and then realizing you don't have some important supplies. There are some items you may have, but there are some you have to go out to the store and get them. Below are some crabbing supplies you will need for a successful crabbing trip.
Crabbing License
Always check the local laws and see if you need a license to crab. You should also check the number of crabs you are allowed to keep and their sizes. There are states that offer individual licenses that will cover everyone on the boat. Crabbing qualifies as sports fishing. You should get a tidal water fishing license and not a freshwater one.
Crab Traps
Check your local laws to confirm the number of traps allowed to use as a recreational crabber. The number will vary from one place to another, you should not assume. The best option of crab traps is the topless crab traps.
Milk Crate
This is used in carrying topless crab traps. Start by putting the crate at the bottom and stacking the traps inside. The milk crate is durable, waterproof, and makes it easy to carry your traps. You can also use the crate to hold crabs waiting to be measured.
Always check the local laws and see if you need a license to crab. You should also check the number of crabs you are allowed to keep and their sizes. There are states that offer individual licenses that will cover everyone on the boat. Crabbing qualifies as sports fishing. You should get a tidal water fishing license and not a freshwater one.
Crab Traps
Check your local laws to confirm the number of traps allowed to use as a recreational crabber. The number will vary from one place to another, you should not assume. The best option of crab traps is the topless crab traps.
Milk Crate
This is used in carrying topless crab traps. Start by putting the crate at the bottom and stacking the traps inside. The milk crate is durable, waterproof, and makes it easy to carry your traps. You can also use the crate to hold crabs waiting to be measured.
Crab Tongs
Choose stainless steel or plastic tongs so that you don't have to replace them every year. Never use the same tongs when handling live and cooked crabs. If you have to, ensure you wash it to avoid any contamination.
Gloves
The gloves should be made of thick rubber. This will help you a lot in case of a claw bite. You should always try to pick up a crab from the base of the backfin to avoid claw bites.
Bushel Basket
The wooden bushel basket is the better option when compared to the plastic one. With a wooden bushel basket, you can keep live crabs on a sunny day. Dunk the basket into the water if it is getting too warm.
Boat Hook
A telescoping and floating boat hook will help in picking up traps that are out of reach on a windy day. It is more fun to go down and pick the traps with your hands, provided it is within reach.
Crab Measuring Device
You should choose a wooden, plastic, or metal (Aluminum or Stainless steel). Remember it is measured from point to point on the shell. You will have a hard time getting an accurate measurement using a ruler, always use a pre-cut measuring device.
Extra Line
They will come in handy when you want to repair crab traps. Bring thick lines to be used as pulling lines and thinner that can easily attach to the trap doors.
You will also need Snoods and Springs, trotline, bait bags, and a burlap sack.
These are the most basic supplies needed for catching crabs.
Choose stainless steel or plastic tongs so that you don't have to replace them every year. Never use the same tongs when handling live and cooked crabs. If you have to, ensure you wash it to avoid any contamination.
Gloves
The gloves should be made of thick rubber. This will help you a lot in case of a claw bite. You should always try to pick up a crab from the base of the backfin to avoid claw bites.
Bushel Basket
The wooden bushel basket is the better option when compared to the plastic one. With a wooden bushel basket, you can keep live crabs on a sunny day. Dunk the basket into the water if it is getting too warm.
Boat Hook
A telescoping and floating boat hook will help in picking up traps that are out of reach on a windy day. It is more fun to go down and pick the traps with your hands, provided it is within reach.
Crab Measuring Device
You should choose a wooden, plastic, or metal (Aluminum or Stainless steel). Remember it is measured from point to point on the shell. You will have a hard time getting an accurate measurement using a ruler, always use a pre-cut measuring device.
Extra Line
They will come in handy when you want to repair crab traps. Bring thick lines to be used as pulling lines and thinner that can easily attach to the trap doors.
You will also need Snoods and Springs, trotline, bait bags, and a burlap sack.
These are the most basic supplies needed for catching crabs.