How to Use a Crab Pot

Crab pots and traps

Nothing says “summer” like a crab feast. These shellfish are some of the tastiest and most popular seafood native to U.S. waters. With Chesapeake Bay crabs at their highest levels in years, this is the time to get out there and catch yourself a bunch. There are several ways recreational crabbers go about catching their dinner. Hand lines, crab traps and crab pots are three of the most popular methods. Hand lines and traps require constant attendance. Crab pots, on the other hand, can be set and left for a couple days. Crab pots are easy and convenient; however, there are many regulations governing their use.

Instructions

Using a Crab Pot

1. 

   Check your state’s regulations regarding the use of crab pots. It is crucial that you check the regulations, as most states severely limit the use of recreational crab pots. Two pots per coastal property owner, but only two per shared pier are common limitations, and some states do not allow recreational crab pot use at all. The number, kind and hours of use are all regulated. Ignorance of the law will not excuse you from the fine, and you will lose any crabs you have caught.

2. Read up on regulations not only for the use of crab pots, but their specifications. Most states now have regulations requiring turtle guards and culls (to exclude small crabs).

3. Research crab pot labeling requirements in your state. Most states want the pots marked with a large “R” and the owner’s name and phone number. Check also for regulations governing the use of a marking buoy; some states have banned to use of plastic milk jugs and the like.

4. Buy crab pots and buoys meeting your local regulations at a fish and bait store or sports or camping outlet. Crab pots are heavy and bulky, consisting of a two-foot cube of metal Unlike a crab trap, crab pots are not collapsible. You will need a truck, mini-van or SUV to transport your pots.

5. Buy chicken necks or whatever is your favorite bait, and tie the bait securely to the inside bottom of the crab pot.

6. Tie a marked floater to the crab pot. This is done not merely to satisfy the legal requirements, but so that you can locate your pot -- and your crabs! Toss your pot into the water and wait for dinner to sidle on in.

7. Pull up the pot and check for crabs once or twice a day. At a minimum, check the pot every seconded day. After three days, the crabs will have finished off the bait and will start to die of starvation and/or eat each other, so never leave the pot alone for more than two days. Even when not hungry, crabs will often fight and you risk losing a few claws. Furthermore, you should not be surprised to learn that some states regulate how frequently the pots are checked, to prevent wastage of crabs.

8. Have a cooler with ice nearby for your catch, and remove crabs from the crab pot. Check the crabs for legal size/gender limits. It is quite easy to tell the males from the females by looking at the apron on the bottom of the crab. Those with an outline of the Washington Monument are males; a triangle on the underside is an immature female; if it looks like the Capital dome (semi-circle), it is a mature female. Egg-carrying females or sponge crabs have an orange egg sack on the underside and should never be harvested. Toss culls back into the water gently.

Resources

• Crabbing regulations by U.S. state