The Barney Family  

Crabbing is good outdoor fun for anyone. Use a dip net with the basket made of nylon mesh, rather than a cloth mesh net. Crabs fight, bite, twist and turn when they are caught. The nylon doesn't allow your crabs to get tangled up so easily. Learning to use the dip net to catch a crab takes some patience and practice, but practice will improve your skill.

The simplest method of catching crabs is a hand line and dip net and is strictly a recreational activity. Handline crabbing is simple, inexpensive and provides all-day-fun. All you need is a dip net, a length of string long enough to reach the bottom, and some type of bait. The bait along with a small weight is simply tied to a line and lowered to the bottom. This is a very inexpensive, low-tech, way to catch crabs and is a great way to get the whole family together. Make sure your dip net's pole is no longer than six feet or it may become difficult to handle.

If you are crabbing from some place on shore, it is best if the tide is rising. Tie several lines to the pier or boat and give the crabs a chance to find one of the lines with the bait

Check each line carefully by picking it up with your thumb and forefinger; this gives you a more delicate feel. You will know if the crab is feeding because the pulling and clawing action will be transmitted up the line to your fingers. Ease the crab slowly upward; hand over hand, inch by inch. The suspense at this point is a test of your patience. Usually, the crab is so busy eating that he is unaware he is being pulled from the bottom.

Keep the line tight. When you can see the crab near the surface, get your net ready with one hand and hold the line with the other, or you can work as a team, with a friend using the net. Maneuver the crab as close as possible, then quickly scoop down, alongside, then under the crab, and up with a wrist-turning motion. Some crabbers prefer to ease the net into the water, somewhat away from the crab, then move in and under it.

After you have netted your crab, you need the proper container to keep it alive. The best container is a wooden bushel basket obtainable at any fruit or vegetable store. Always protect the crabs from the hot sun, cover them with wet burlap or a wet towel and occasionally dip the container in the water or pour water directly over the crabs to keep them wet and cool. A pail or bucket is not advisable because air cannot flow through this type of container and the crabs will die due to lack of oxygen. If you have no other option, then be sure to replenish or change the water often.

Crabs are transferred to the container by turning the net over and shaking it a little. Sometimes the crab will hold onto the net with his claws, be patient he will let go in a few moments. Sometimes crabs get loose so you should learn how to handle live crabs with tongs, gloves, or better yet with your bare hands. Always use caution and care and you will keep yourself from being "bitten".

If you catch a "buster" or "soft-shell" do not place it into the same receptacle with the hard-shell crabs as they will either eat or kill this crab. If you intend to keep these "soft-shell crabs" separate and place them in another container.

If you intend to keep your crabs for longer than a day, then consider constructing a crab box. This is usually a wooden structure made of slats to allow the circulation of water. The crab box is tied to the pier and supported in the water with floats. Feed the crabs leftover bait until you have enough fattened up for a feast!