How to Go Crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay

Crabbing in the Chesapeake can give you the experience of catching the Maryland blue crab. Declared as the State Crustacean in 1989, it is the sweet crab meat found in many dishes in restaurants and homes in the area. Using traditional trotlines, dipnets or crabtraps you can have a bounty of blue crabs to enjoy by dinnertime.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find out about getting a fishing license and crabbing stamp. This information changes from year to year. Ask where you get a Maryland fishing license. They will also be able to inform you as to the size of crab and any limits to amounts you can harvest.

2. Plan your crabbing adventure at the right time of year. Crab season typically starts in April or May. This is when the crabs are moving from the deep Chesapeake Bay waters up to the tributaries. As with any season, this can be earlier or later.

3. Decide on your crabbing method. Dip netting is the easiest. You use a net and dipping it into shallow waters to scoop up the crabs. In deeper waters, you can try a trotline. A trotline is a line that is hooked and baited along its length. Another method is the crab trap. A crab trap is a box like structure lowered into the water baited with chicken necks.

4. Employ several of these methods. To have the most success, try using a combination of methods. After you have dropped your trotline, you may want to try to dip net.

5. Ask the locals for advice. If you are staying in the area or renting equipment or a boat, ask for information and advice. These people know about crabbing and are willing to share the information.

6. Use patience. As with any fishing, it may take a while for the crab to take the bait. You may find yourself out on the bay for hours before you get a crab. You may be lucky and get a bucket in the first few hours. Either way, enjoy your adventure.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan your trip around local festivals and events for added fun. They have contest and feasts that all involve the blue crab. The Crab Derby is every Labor Day in Crisfield, MD. It is one of several in the area.

• Staying in the area is fun also. The Chesapeake Bay area is full of wonderful restaurants and great bed and breakfasts. Several towns in the area still have the feel of nineteenth-century fishing towns.

Resources

• Maryland's website will have up to date crab info.
• The Blue Crab is full of great crab info.
• Visit Crisfield Chamber for Derby info.