![]() ![]() The key to handline crabbing is to be patient, and to slowly reel in the line without disturbing the crab on the other end, happily munching away at the bait. Then simply wait, and as soon as the line starts to tighten, it's a sure sign that there is a crab at the other end, enjoying the bait. Make sure there is some slack on the line so it's easy to detect movement. You can hold onto the other end, or tie it to a dock post or fishing pole holder. Tie your bait to one end of the fishing line and toss it into the water. For bait, most crabbers use chicken or turkey legs, although seasoned fishermen can try to use small bait fish, like mullets or minnows, to improve their chances of catching a fish as well as a crab. Once you have your license and location squared away, you'll need a long cord of fishing line, about 15ft - 20ft, a little bait, and a small fishing net. Note that crabbing is most always done in sound waters, not in the ocean where the steady pummeling waves can easily get in the way. Look for areas with slightly deep water, about 2ft - 5ft deep at the most, for the best chances of pulling in a crab or two. This can be done from the back of small skiff in the Roanoke, Albemarle or Pamlico Sound, or from a sandy soundfront beach, or simplyfrom a saltwater-bordering dock in your backyard. Next, you'll want to find a secluded sound or canalfront location to drop your line. For aspiring crabbers who want a little more adventure, the handline method can be very satisfying. After an hour to a few hours, the fishermen returns to lift the crab pot up out of the water and see if any crabs have literally taken the bait.Ĭrabbing with crab pots is relatively an easy, hands-off approach to crabbing. To go crabbing with a crab pot, the fisherman places chunks of raw chicken or other meat into the bottom of the pot and lowers it gently into the water. Crab pots can usually be purchased at a number of larger marinas on the Outer Banks, or larger fishing supply and tackle stores, although it is not unusual for creative types to pick up some chicken wire and binding material to try and construct their own. This makes it easy for a crab to enter the cage, but nearly impossible to exit. Visitors often spot collections of these square wire cages by harbors or marinas, or in front of local homes serving as yard decor.Ĭrab pots have two holes entering into the cage that are conical and become smaller as the holes lead into the center. Two of the most popular methods are with crab pots and by "Handlining."Ĭrab pots aren't actually pots - they are wire boxes that resemble chicken coop cages. When it comes to non-commercial crabbing, there are quite a few methods on the Outer Banks. Otherwise, a Recreational Commercial Gear License (RCGL) is required. ![]() Individuals do not need a license to use collapsible crab traps so long as the largest open dimension is no larger than 18 inches and the traps are designed to collapse at all times when in the water, except when they are being retrieved from or lowered to the bottom. Individuals do not need a license for chicken necking or legging. A private pier or shoreline means there is no public access and does not apply to fishing piers where the public pays for fishing privileges. Individuals do not need a license to set one pot per person from a private pier or shoreline, so long as he has permission of the property owner. But many first-time visitors are surprised to learn that crabbing, though a little tricky, can be easily conducted off the soundfront backyards or waterfront docks of a vacation rental home, anytime of day, and nearly any time of year.įor a home caught dinner that's fresh off the docks, or a new way to enjoy the abundance of Outer Banks fishing and seafood, try a little crabbing on your next beach vacation.īefore you start, you'll need to check whether you'll need a North Carolina Fishing License, which is distributed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and can be purchased online before your vacation, or at the majority of local Outer Banks tackle shops. The Outer Banks is notorious for its large supply of Blue Crabs, and these crabs wind up on the menus and Specials boards of Outer Banks restaurants all along the coast. ![]() The Outer Banks is clearly known for its exceptional fishing, but for sporty vacationers who want to try something new, or take on an outdoors activity the entire family can enjoy, crabbing is a fun way to get your toes wet in the local Outer Banks fishing scene. ![]()
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