Using collapsible traps to catch crabs
From a dock or on a boat, this technique consists of using a crab trap that is forced closed when you pull up the attached line. A variation of this trap is a ring trap. It lays flat on the bottom but does not collapse so you have to pull these traps up a bit quicker. If you are a pro you can challenge yourself to pick the crabs up when they scurry out of the trap. The best way is to use a wire net. An easy bait to get a hold of is chicken. Preferably chicken necks that are always inexpensive and can be found at most grocery stores on the eastern shore. Remember that chicken can have salmonella so make sure to keep you hands clean after touching. A prefered bait for collapsible traps are fish shells. Frozen or fresh they both work. You can sometimes buy these from local fish companies such as Martins Fish co. or you can go to the docks when the boats come in and scrap for the scraps! Make sure to ask before diving in, you do not want anyone to get salty! When crabbing from the dock, bait the trap than let it soak for at least 3-10 minits. Pull the line up fast and see what you get! Put the keepers in a bushel or bucket and tray and keep in a cool place. DO NOT FILL WITH WATER! Sounds crazy but they will drown!
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Rigging and baiting a trap
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Using a ring net
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Different crab trap options for crabbing my Maryland.
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More Crabbing Information
- Intro to crabbing
- Where to crab in Ocean City Maryland
- What are the regulations for crabbing in Ocean City, Maryland?
- How to cook crabs Maryland style
- How to pick a Maryland blue crab
- How to crab in Ocean City, Maryland
- How to Handline for crabs in Ocean City Maryland
- How to run a trotline in Ocean City Maryland
- Using collapsible crab traps in Ocean City, Maryland
- -Using crab pots in Ocean City, Maryland
