How to Catch Crabs without a crab trap

Knowing how to catch crabs requires the right crab bait and equipment. Here is a simple method for catching crabs like blue crabs and stone crabs without using a crab trap or crab pot. It's so simple, anyone can become a crab fisherman.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Long handled fishing net
• Spool of twine
• Chicken drumstick
• Saltwater fishing license (in some states)

1. 
   perfect type of crab net

   First, you need to find the ideal spot where to catch crabs that has easy access. Many species of crabs live in coastal estuarine regions around the mouths of rivers, jetties and in tidal zones like salt marshes and swash lands. Areas such as these are very common along the coasts. Check with the local laws where you live by visiting the web sites of your local offices that regulate fishing, fisheries and game. Here, you can find information about whether or not a fishing license is required for catching crabs (crabbing), size limits and daily catch limits.

2. 
   drumsticks are ideal

   Once you've found the suitable crabbing spot, put on some grubby clothes that you don't mind getting muddy and trek on down with the long handled fish net, ball of twine and a chicken drumstick. Place the net into the water within easy reach of the handle, half in/half out of the water with the net portion completely submerged. Chicken (or turkey) is an ideal crab bait for this method as it's very oily and chewy when uncooked. Unlike cut fish and other baits, it won't break apart easily when crabs chew on it or tug at it, and crabs are inclined to hang onto it very tightly. Tie the chicken drumstick to one end of the twine near the knuckle-bone and toss it into the water. If any crabs are visible, try to toss the chicken drumstick near them.

3. 
   twine is fine

   Allow any crabs to grab ahold of the drumstick tightly and begin eating at it before attempting to maneuver them to your net. Once the crabs have a firm grip, very gently pull on the twine, dragging the crabs slowly to the mouth of the net. If the crab drops the drumstick, simply stop dragging it and wait patiently for the crab to grab it again. With a little practice, you will be able to drag the crab to the very center of the net. Once in the center of the net, take the net handle and raise the net out of the water. The crab will fall towards the center of the net, where it can be removed into a bucket or empty cooler.

Tips & Warnings

• A rope or wide mesh nylon net is best. If it's too fine, the crabs will get snagged.
• Keep your net in good repair to prevent a crab from slipping out.
• A little seaweed or a wet sponge will provide all of the moisture the crabs need inside of the cooler/bucket.
• Do not add water to your cooler or bucket. Crabs will suffocate and foul if placed in a water filled bucket.
• Crabs can pinch hard, beware of the claws and/or use leather garden gloves to remove them from netting.