How do you catch Gulf Coast Crabs? It’s really pretty easy if you have the right equipment and the right place.
1) We’ve used a crab trap, made out of wire, and also a crab net, made with a metal circle and a rope net around it. You can get these from bait stores, some large discount stores, and large fishing equipment stores.
2) Cheap chicken parts from the grocery store is our favorite bait, although you could use a variety of things, including leftover fish parts after cleaning the fish you caught. There’s a wire area in the middle of the crab trap to put the bait. You tie your bait to the middle of the crab net.
3) We use the end of our pier, located in Little Lagoon, Alabama, for crabbing. Lower your net or trap down into the water. If you have a trap, you can leave it for a few hours or overnight, because the crabs won’t be able to get out. If you use a net, you want to check it fairly often, because the crabs will be able to eat your bait and possibly walk away.
4) You will probably want to have some tongs handy when you bring up your net or empty your trap of the crabs, especially if this is your first experience. In fact, it wouldn’t hurt to have on some heavy-duty gloves. Take hold of the crab from behind so that he will not be able to grab you with his front claws, or it will hurt!
5) We usually put our crabs into a tall 5 gallon plastic bucket. You can get these from the home improvement stores. The best time of year to catch crabs is in the warmer seasons, when they can be found in more shallow water. Be sure to catch only what you will be able to cook and eat. You want them to be readily available next time you’re ready to go crabbing!
6) You need to cook them soon after catching them. Don’t cover your crabs with water, or they will die, and then you will not be able to eat them. You can keep them for a short time in the refrigerator, or put a little ice in your bucket to keep them cool. ( Do not cook any dead crabs. They will not be good to eat.)
7) You will need a large pot of boiling water. Add a box of crab boil, available at most grocery stores. Gently put the crabs into the pot, one at a time, making sure that they are completely submerged into the boiling water. Continue to boil for about 6 – 10 minutes. They will turn a bright orange-red. Let them cool a bit, clean them, and enjoy eating your delicious catch!
If you’re interested in catching Gulf Coast Crabs off our pier in Little Lagoon, please check out my vacation rental house, “Forever Yours” Gulf House, located in lovely Gulf Shores, Alabama.
