It’s crab season!! Time to bring some winning strategies to Easthaven and bring in some famous Virginia Blue Crab.
**Ultimate Guide to Catching Blue Crabs Off Our Dock: Strategy Meets Fun**
Catching blue crabs off the dock can be as strategic and exciting as a classic board game marathon. Here’s your comprehensive guide to mastering the art of crab-catching:
1. **Essential Crabbing Gear**:
- **Crab Traps or Rings**: Consider these your “Game of life” spinner. Unlike landing on “get a job,” you’ll be landing crabs. We have 2 pots down at the dock waiting for you.
- **Bait**: Use chicken necks or fish heads. Think of these as your “Risk” army—enticing and effective for attracting crabs.
- **Crab Net or Tongs**: These are your “Clue” weapons. Just as Colonel Mustard had his candlestick, you’ll have your net or tongs to handle crabs.
- **Bucket or Cooler**: This serves as your “Battleship” grid. Keep your crabs organized and fresh until you’re ready to cook.
- **Measuring Device**: Your crab-measuring tool is like the “Scrabble” dictionary—ensuring all crabs are legal size and in compliance with regulations.
2. **Setting Up Your Trap**:
- Secure the bait in the trap like you’re placing settlements in “Catan”—with strategy and care. Lower the trap gently into the water.
3. **Waiting and Checking**:
- Allow the trap to sit and attract crabs overnight. This phase is like waiting in “Monopoly” Jail—be patient and avoid peeking too early to prevent scaring away potential catches.
4. **Handling the Crabs**:
- Wear gloves and use tongs to handle crabs safely, akin to playing “Operation” with crabs. Keep your hands protected to avoid pinches.
5. **Play by the rules**
Size Limits:
- Male Blue Crabs: The minimum legal size is 5 inches, measured from tip to tip of the shell.
- Female Blue Crabs: The minimum legal size is also 5 inches, with an exception for egg-bearing females (sooks) which must be released.
Catch Limits:
- Recreational Crabbing: There is typically a daily limit of 1 bushel per person.
6. **Cooking Your Crabs**:
- Steam or boil crabs with your preferred seasoning. We recommend Old Bay of course and keep some stocked. This final step is your “Chess” endgame—strategically delicious and satisfying.
Gear up, apply your strategy, and may your crab-catching be as successful as winning the Game of Life!