How to Catch Crabs for Dinner

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

any kind of meat or fish for bait.
A net
A fishing line or rope
A crab pot

Step 1

First check you local fishing regulations to see if you need a certain license to catch crabs. Also check the size and limit regulations for crab. (in North Carolina you can keep up to 50 blue crabs but they have to be 5in wide across the shell)
Step 2

The easiest but less fun way to catch crabs is with a crab pot. It is basically a cage with a narrow opening that allows crabs to enter but not get out. You simply place it in the water with some bait inside then come back later in the day to check for crabs.
Step 3

Another method (this is the most fun) is to catch them one at a time using a fishing line or piece of rope with some meat or fish attached to the end of it. Simply toss out the line from shore and wait for the telltale nibbles of the crab grabbing onto it. Once you think a crab is on the line, slowly pull the line back to shore. You want to move the line slowly and do not pull the crab to the surface until you are ready to use the net. The crab will hold on the the bait while you pull it in. When it is close enough to reach with the net, slide it under the crab and lift it out of the water. Watch out for the claws!
Step 4

Most tidal rivers river, bays and inlets, near the ocean are full of crab to catch. The best time to catch them is when the tide is on its way in or out. This is when they feed on unsuspecting prey being washed with the current.
Step 5

I hope this article helps you learn how to catch crabs, it is a fun way to spend an afternoon. And there is no better meal than fresh seafood you caught yourself!