1st time crabbing - need help

[Boston Pete]

I'm going to take my family crabbing this Sunday, can anyone give me some pointers....mostly where to go.
I have a boat located in Keyport & I don't mind traveling.

Thanks in advance, I appreciate it.

Peter

[Gerry Zagorski]

Pete check your PMs for location info.

I would bring some chicken, necks and backs if you can get them. if not legs and thighs or Bunker will do.

If you are going to anchor and hand line you should bring some small (less than 1/2 ounce) weights to keep the chicken on the bottom.

I also like to double anchor to keep the boat from swinging. This holds the boat in one place and you will get a lot less tangles and more crabs if you lines are still.

Throw your main anchor out and leave out more scope than you will need....
Throw another anchor of the back and then bring in the extra scope from the front anchor making both anchors tight.

If you are fishing an outboard boat it's a good idea to tilt the engines up and out of the water so your lines don't get tangled up in the props.

[Capt. Debbie]

On your handlines I go a bit heavier because of more current. The line and bait will kite inthe current and not stay on bottom. SO I use 4 oz sinkers. Or even big nuts. You can make your own lines with a bent up hanger fashioned like a safety pin, sinker, and about 12 feet of twine.


Bunker are relatively cheap. A flat of bunker is usually enough ( for me) to do 2 trips is about $20. I use 1/2 bunker and switch in new baits after a few hours of wash out.

Also if you net your lines try (1) use a shorter handled net for manueverability and (2) put 3 or 4 coats of spray paint on the mesh oif net( makes it stiff and less likley to tangle which you will appreciate a lot).

If I jug I run 12 traps. If I anchor is use 6 traps and two handlines. more lines if they are working better.

Originally Posted by Gerry Zagorski

Pete check your PMs for location info.

I would bring some chicken, necks and backs if you can get them. if not legs and thighs or Bunker will do.

If you are going to anchor and hand line you should bring some small (less than 1/2 ounce) weights to keep the chicken on the bottom.

I also like to double anchor to keep the boat from swinging. This holds the boat in one place and you will get a lot less tangles and more crabs if you lines are still.

Throw your main anchor out and leave out more scope than you will need....
Throw another anchor of the back and then bring in the extra scope from the front anchor making both anchors tight.

If you are fishing an outboard boat it's a good idea to tilt the engines up and out of the water so your lines don't get tangled up in the props.

[Gerry Zagorski]

PS - if you are going to have kids on board bring a light pole for snapper fishing.

[Capt. Debbie]

Check your PM too