How to Catch a Crab

Crabbing's a fun and easy way to spend a few hours at the beach. Although patience is usually the best strategy, especially impatient beginners may even get lucky and catch a crab. What makes crabbing unique among the different kinds of fishing is how easy it is--even young children are able to do it. Follow these steps to organize your outing and get started crabbing.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Buy some turkey or chicken parts from your local grocery store. Necks, wings and backs work best, but crabs aren't all that picky about their bait. Whatever's cheap and available will do fine.

2. Tie the bait to a long strand of string or very thin rope (string works best). There's no special method for tying great crab-bait knots, so experiment and don't be afraid to start over if your knot doesn't hold.

3. Wade out into the water and cast your line. If the bait doesn't seem to sink, reel it back in and tie a small fishing weight to the string's end. This will keep the bait down where the crabs can find it.

4. Wait patiently for a crab to grab onto your line. If you've picked a good spot, you'll hopefully get a nibble or two in the first half-hour. If not, pull in your line and cast it out somewhere else on the beach.

5. Maintain tension in the string as you pull the crab in, but don't pull too hard. Keep a dip net handy for catching the crab when it arrives.

6. Scoop your dip net into the water and seize the crab. This can be tricky with rushing currents and especially waves, so it helps to have someone else nearby to work the net while you watch the string.