![]() Note: These steps work for all types of crabs.Collect the appropriate crabbing equipment. STEP 5 Take some pictures, chase your kids around, and don’t forget to put the crabs back. This will get it to calm down and stop moving which lessens the chance of it pinching you. STEP 4 Immediately flip the crab on its back. STEP 3 Pick the crab up by putting your thumb under the shell and two fingers on top of shell STEP 2 Pin the crab to the ground, putting your fingers towards the back of its shell so that your fingers are out of reach of its claws. STEP 1 Have a friend distract the crab while you sneak up behind it. “It is unlawful to possess any stone crab body live or dead” according to SCDNR.Ī last piece of advice for anyone planning to go crabbing, locals ask to toss back any crabs they don’t plan to eat. But no claws can be removed from female stone crabs with an egg mass. State law requires that the larger claw be broken off and kept, and the crab can then be tossed back. ![]() Only stone crabs with two claws can be caught. However, there are restrictions when it comes to catching stone crabs. The claw meat can make for a hearty and delicious meal. Stone crabs aren’t caught as often, but they can tend to hang out at the bottom of river beds. When hunting for blue crabs, South Carolina law requires crabbers to throw back any crabs that measure less than 5 inches across the back or any female crabs with an egg mass that indicates she is reproducing. “But I’ve always used it.” Follow the rules “Not sure why chicken is the best crab bait,” Waite says. Waite says any chicken that happens to go bad, just freeze it and use as crab bait. But one thing most Lowcountry residents agree on is that chicken makes for the best crab bait, especially chicken necks. Options are drop nets, collapsible or fold-up traps or handlines. The type of equipment is determined by the level of time and money the crabber wishes to put into the experience. Just pick up a net or trap, some string and the bait of your choice. The reason why crabbing is so popular is because anyone can do it. “Any day of the summer you can find many people out there catching buckets full (of crabs).” Use chicken as bait “The landing has a great dock for crabbing,” Waite says. Waite doesn’t know why the landing has brought her family such crabbing success, but she says maybe the open marsh area and lack of oyster bars are potential factors. According to Waite, Sawmill Landing in Bluffton is the best Lowcountry spot for crabbing, although the docks at the Hilton Head Island bridges are good too, she says. Many of her favorite Lowcountry memories include being on the water. Mandy Waite grew up on Hilton Head Island and has lived in Bluffton for the past 19 years. Locals have their favorite spots accompanied by their favorite fishing or crabbing tales. A full list of public boat landings and piers is available online at. The Lowcountry is certainly not lacking in the number of spots available to go crabbing. Although any time is good to spend quality time with friends and family to go crabbing, most research suggests the best time for successful crabbing is near low tide because crabs are closer to the shoreline and feeding. Blue crabs typically congregate near boat landings, docks or piers as well as tidal creeks – usually any open space near salt water. The Lowcountry’s saltwater areas are populated with blue and stone crabs, although the Atlantic Blue Crab is the most plentiful and easiest to catch. A commercial license and other gear are required if crabbing with more than two pots. ![]() If using crab pots to catch their meal, a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License is required if the licensee uses no more than two pots. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, anyone fishing for crustaceans or shellfish doesn’t need a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License if they’re using three or fewer drop nets, fold-up traps or handlines. The causal family or group of friends looking to catch their dinner while on vacation or during a relaxing weekend aren’t required to get a fishing license. ![]() All you need are a few basic tools and a little patience. Catching crabs is a popular activity here in the Lowcountry. It simply requires a little patience and a few basic tools. One of the easiest pastimes to experience with the entire family is crabbing because it doesn’t really take much skill or typically even a fishing license. The Lowcountry offers a multitude of recreational water activities. Catching a crustacean is easier than you think.
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