The Best Places for Crab Fishing in the United States

Crab fishing is a popular activity for many anglers across the United States. The excitement of dropping a baited trap and pulling up a feast is an experience shared by amateur and professional fishermen alike. For those new to the sport, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This guide will provide an overview of top crab fishing destinations across the country and what kind of catches can be expected.

Prime Crab Fishing on the East Coast

The East Coast of the United States offers some of the most renowned and prolific crab fisheries. Three states in particular stand out for their exceptional crab fishing opportunities.

Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay

The Chesapeake Bay shared by Maryland and Virginia is likely the most famous crab fishing location in the country. The iconic Maryland Blue Crab, also called the Chesapeake Blue Crab, is a regional specialty and has become part of the local culture. The best places to drop a trap in Maryland waters include the Susquehanna Flats, Eastern Bay, Choptank River, and Tangier Sound. With over 4,000 miles of shoreline, there are endless spots for anglers to access the bay and tributaries.

New Jersey and the Hudson River Estuary

While known more for blue crabs like its southern neighbor, New Jersey also offers opportunities to catch rock crabs, spider crabs, and green crabs. The Hudson River estuary along the New York border is lined with piers and public parks that allow shore fishing. Barnegat Bay, Raritan Bay, and Cape May also have accessible piers for dropping crab traps. Those with boats can range into the rivers and marshes of the Jersey Shore interior.

The Outer Banks of North Carolina

The network of barrier islands known as the Outer Banks spans 200 miles of the North Carolina coast. In the maze of marshes and estuaries between the islands, blue crabs and calico crabs thrive. Cape Hatteras, Cape Lookout, and Shackleford Banks are prime areas to find crabs, as are the Pamlico, Core, Bogue Sounds. Cape Fear River is another location notorious for large blue crabs. Those without boats can walk along the beaches and fish from the piers.

Outstanding Pacific and Gulf Coast Hot Spots

While the East Coast may be best known for crabbing, the other coasts have epic fisheries as well. The abundance of crabs spans from Alaska to Texas.

Oregon and Washington for Dungeness Crab

The Pacific Northwest is famous for its large, tasty Dungeness crabs. They are found along the entire coastline but are particularly plentiful in the bays and estuaries. In Oregon, crabbers flock to spots like Coos Bay, Yaquina Bay, Alsea Bay, and Tillamook Bay. In Washington, the Puget Sound area offers access to crabs without venturing far offshore. Hood Canal, Discovery Bay, and Willapa Bay are other prime destinations.

Alaska for King and Snow Crab

Alaska crab fishing conjures up images of the dangerous work done on fishing boats in the Bering Sea to supply the nationwide demand. For recreational anglers, pier fishing for Dungeness is available in the Inside Passage. Further offshore, massive King and Snow crabs are harvested from the colder northern Pacific waters. While not feasible for amateur fishermen, visiting one of the famous crab fishing ports like Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, and Akutan provides a taste of the Alaskan crab culture.

The Gulf Coast of Texas

The eastern shoreline of Texas borders the Gulf of Mexico, offering warm southern waters for fishing blue and stone crabs. The marshes and estuaries along the coast from Brownsville to Galveston provide calm areas protected from offshore currents and storms. Rockport, Port Aransas, Port Isabel, and Port Lavaca are some of the most popular places to launch boats in search of crabs.

Basic Crab Fishing Techniques for Beginners

The novice crabber need not be intimidated by the sport’s long traditions. With a simple setup and bait, anyone can discover the joy of crabbing. Here are a few tips to get started:

• For equipment, all that is needed is a basic trap, line, and bait. Traps can be as simple as a wire basket or fenced box with entrance holes. Include some weight to sink it. A float attached to the trap with line allows you to locate it.

• Bait with fresh raw chicken, turkey, or fish like menhaden, mullet, or mackerel. Place the bait in a mesh bag attached inside the trap. The smell will attract crabs looking for a free meal.

• Scope out locations with water access and turbulence-protected areas along shorelines, bridges, docks, and piers. Drop the baited trap and let it sit on the bottom for 15-30 minutes before pulling up to check for crabs.

• Be mindful of regulations on size limits, allowed gear, and crabbing seasons which vary by state. Obtain a fishing license if required and learn how to identify egg-carrying females and juveniles.

• Simple handlines or dip nets are another easy way to catch crabs without traps. Tie on bait and pull up crabs one by one, then scoop them up with the net.

With these basics, new crabbers can start small and learn on the go. As you gain experience and talk with other anglers, more advanced techniques can be incorporated. The thrill of reeling up a crab pot brimming with snapping claws, however, is a feeling shared by experts and novices alike. Don’t let inexperience deter you from going out and giving crabbing a try this season.

Safety Tips for Fun and Successful Crab Fishing

While a fun family-friendly activity, crab fishing does come with safety concerns to be aware of. With proper precautions, the risks can be minimized. Here are key things to keep in mind:

• When boating, always wear a properly fitted life jacket. Cold water shock is a hazard in northern areas like the Pacific Northwest.

• Let others know where you will be fishing and when you plan to return. Carry communication devices like a VHF radio or cell phone.

• Be mindful of currents, tides, and weather which can make navigating challenging. Leave when storms approach.

• When handling crabs, wear thick gloves to avoid pinches. Carry them by the back swimmer fin area only.

• Keep fingers clear of claws and walking legs. Approach crabs from behind since they can’t see what’s behind them.

• Move trapped crabs with nets or tongs. Never put hands in traps or pots where hidden crabs could be waiting unseen.

• On piers or along shore, watch your footing and wear non-slip shoes since surfaces are often wet and slippery.