How to Catch Crabs - Blue Crab Crabbing Tips

Today we have a slightly different episode, as we're not technically 'fishing', but instead crabbing! We're geared up with a very simple setup as we aim to catch ourselves some blue crabs.
We talk about some great crab-catching tips, as well as some important tips on how to hold blue crabs without getting yourself pinched.
Follow our ongoing fishing adventures
Instagram: / thundermistlures
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Twitter: / thundermist
Web: thundermistlures.com
As always until next time, good luck and good fishin'!

[@TimBaxleyTattoos]

I have found that having the net already in the water & pulling the crab over the net (before scooping) cuts down on crabs escaping. When using the technique that Antonio used, the resistance of the water slows the net down enough to allow the crabs time to react & get away.

[@050larz]

Hours of fun for old folks and kids! Beats the heck out of sitting in a chair at the beach. My crabbing experience always includes a cooler of beer!

[@bornfree8073]

Last time i caught crabs, she had blue hair too.

[@WhiteOutie2010]

Badum tsss

[@dontworrychile4659]

😂😂😂toooo smoothe

[@madgejordan810]

Lmao

[@crunchmunch5282]

I could watch this all day, sitting in the middle of South Dakota, this sure looks like fun. Thanks guys.

[@crunchmunch5282]

@Ronald 240Bravo I lived in South Texas for about 12 years and the worst part was the heat and the humidity, I don't miss that but there were pretty girls everywhere back then. Stay cool!

[@AuntMattieTV]

I love crabbing and I really enjoyed this video . Thank you !!

[@lisajordan72]

I love the instructions you provide, very informative. keep the videos coming.

[@adventuresofricky7018]

i love a lot of these thundermist videos i watch them while i'm at work and get off and try to fish and crab but sometimes i don't catch anything lol i just love the sport. keep up the consistency of good publishing.

[@luisrangel4703]

I loved this video. I felt like I was there with ya! Great vibes, thanks for posting.

[@joncena168]

Thanks friend! Very informative and looks like lots of fun for the family

[@jackriley5974]

60 years ago I used smelt for bait. It worked great and was cheaper than anything else. Also I learned to put the net in the water before I pulled the crab up to it.

[@gynellepinto693]

One of the best video I seen on KZbin I can’t wait to catch one. Once I do I will come back and comment using your methods thanks so much new viewer💪🏼

[@MKOutdoors]

Crabbing is an awesome time, and its a lot of fun using this hand line method. Good luck to you!

[@coryenglish4899]

I remember about 10 years or so ago I went crabbing in the chesapeake bay. we did very well and we were using chicken breast. but the one time we pulled it up and had a huge gar on the end of it, I was only 8 or 9 years old and it was very exciting for me haha, that was the first gar I've ever seen, and it was on my crab line

[@whoamiwhoareu]

Really enjoyed the video. Looks like a lot of fun. Thanks for another really neat video!

[@thundermistlures]

+whoamiwhoareu Glad you enjoyed this crabbing episode and thanks for writing in :)

[@whoamiwhoareu]

+Thundermist Lures Thanks so much for all of your videos. You guys do a great job. Big fan! Keep up the great work.

[@Jefftom66]

This looks like fun. I always wanted to catch blue crabs.

[@slimiesiousktl8299]

great video! love crabbing. keep it up guys :)

[@catchandeat]

Good eats fellas! Wish we had them here on the West Coast. Crabbing itself is its own kind of fun

[@luismercado6249]

Catching blue crabs is fun on a Sunday with a family we actually grill them lol you should try it & I’ve always wondered how the hell my uncle grabbed those crabs!😂

[@DGA2000]

Loved your video. Looking forward to trying it myself. Thanks for posting it

[@shebadaboss]

Great video!

[@fishngnana68]

being from Maryland the Chesapeake blue crab is a favorite. We used handlines also but used a little thicker chord. Traps are nice..but handline is the most fun. Nothing better than steamed crabs or homemade crab soup!

[@Aviator1681]

Great video. I looks like you are having loads of fun.

[@thundermistlures]

...we really did have a great day :)

[@BRITTWOODNESHIE]

Went crabbing for the first time today. We kept catching baby crabs and little fish. We caught about 3 baby crabs and fish each. I knew you were supposed to pull the bait in slowly, but my aunt wanted us to do it super fast, and a few got away. But it's okay, because we're going back again this Saturday, and this time I really know what to do.

[@thundermistlures]

...sounds great Nesha....hope you have a fantastic time on Saturday :)

[@tonjalatham4492]

I love this video!

[@cperlera]

I was looking for some tips because tomorrow I'm going to try it my self. 🦀 Very nice gentlemen probably a Cristian nice video.

[@thundermistlures]

Thanks for the kind feedback Alejandro....much appreciated :) Hope you have a great time crabbing tomorrow and remember to keep your bait fresh, so change it every 30 - 45 minutes

[@thedrummersclub3667]

Nice video Sir. Thank you, God Bless

[@user-hf9hy5le1c]

Very well explained.

[@chriswp63]

Gotta do some crabbing down here in Maryland. Best place for it!

[@rostikhavens9136]

Outstanding!

[@abdulkader-go2eq]

Best best ideas 👍👍👍😄 thank you brothers full support you

[@funyuns77]

goddamit Antonio!

[@thundermistlures]

LOL :)

[@MrHelmut1150]

Your comment didn't make any sense until I watched the video, hahaha

[@YogisancrMiguel]

nice.... something diferent to do.... love it... I have never done it but it seems to be a easy activity to take my kids to do. now can a video of how to cook them can be done? if it's not to much to ask? ;) thanks guys it really was a great episode completely different and exciting... greetings to all of you there in thundermist....

[@thundermistlures]

+Yogisancr Miguel Hi Yogisancr - we actually had it on our agenda to do a cooking episode with the crabs we caught but ended up out of time - so we will try to do one next time we go crabbing :)

[@joesmoe4778]

Great video Ivo :)

[@dakotalayinlow]

cool video!

[@akashswami9492]

Good job

[@zootbear]

Would love to see a cleaning and cooking video to follow up this one!

[@randallantill8803]

Awsome a trick we use when string line the key is pull slow steady Antonio should have net in the water when you bring the crab in Antonio just has to lift the net splash at the last minute scaring the crab but you guys seem to be happy just rember net in water before you pull AWSOME FUN VIDEO also if you squeeze the shell tips soft crab empty firm crab full great VIDEO fun is key

[@thundermistlures]

Thaks for sharing your tips with us :)

[@j_pasty_w1823]

When I go stripper fishing up in Maine, we will cut up mackerel and throw it in on a 3-way slip sinker rig and when you bring it in you'll have 2-3 of these good size red and green crabs. Never tried eating them because I don't think you can keep them but you get some almost every cast and some are pretty decently sized!

[@thundermistlures]

+Jordan W sounds like some great crabbing :)

[@jiminson3693]

where did you do this?

[@hejran15]

Nice video i love fishing can you tell a good spot near montreal plz

[@thomasbonanno2866]

You should keep the scoop net as deep as you can in the water before pulling a crab in on the line. When the crab starts to surface, scoop him up from underneath.

[@beachbro8559]

Cool!!

[@viper2788]

your chances are better if you lower the net slowly and scoop them from underneath. A net wont spook them much... but a spash sure will!

[@thundermistlures]

+viper2788 Thanks for sharing your crabbing tips with us :)

[@chadpru892]

Actually better to have the net in the water, you pull the crab over the net. the only moving of the net should be lifting it straight up with a crab in it. Now its time to hoo them on a line and catch drum. lol

[@madcrabber1113]

If a crab does bite you, don't panic, just calmly hold it over water, bushel basket, boat bottom, ground etc. it will let go in order to escape. The key is to not panic and jump around or attempt to pull it off forcibly because they will simply tighten their grip and resist whereas if you stay still and give it a place to go they will let go.

[@footballandathletics3966]

Ivo, great video as always, but where do these crabs like to hang out? Where would be the most efficient spot to crab for these blue crabs or any crab for that matter?

[@thundermistlures]

+FootballandAthletics Blue crabs love warm water and will move into back bays, creeks and channels and can easily be caught form shore :)

[@michaelseidl5240]

Another tip for beginners, he's using fishing line, which can be harder to see. You can used white string, you can get a ball of it at Home Depot or Walmart, make as many lines as you want. Its easier to see the line start to tighten up when the crab grabs the bait, and the string doesn't scare them. There are times I've lifted smaller crabs completely out of the water, dropped the bait back in, they go right after it again

[@michaelseidl5240]

Antonio looks like my brother with the net....thats why I go crabbing and leave him home

[@xdevilx86]

Hi Ivo Where did you guys go crabbing?

[@tonyko3029]

seems fun

[@elim.4204]

My family went crabbing in the summer for blue crabs. It was our first time. The crabbing lasted from noon to night. Throughout that time we really only caught northern puffers. But by the end, we finally caught a crab. But it was a female with eggs... So we had to release it.....

[@CMRinehart]

Nice video here

[@thundermistlures]

Glad you enjoyed this crabbing episdoe Charles and thanks for writing in :)

[@outdoorfreedom9778]

A crab snare may be a better way to go?? It would eliminate the hack with the net?? The string and bait is how we caught craw dads when I was a kid.

[@barrykuz4330]

Yum!

[@xdevilx86]

Hi Ivo Wondering if you get the chance to go for carp, would you mind trying macaroni? (i'm thinking semi boiled so its not too soft..) if you're in the mood :)

[@thundermistlures]

+xdevilx86 Thanks for the feedback :) Can't say that I've tried that yet

[@michael102]

Pro tip! Put you net in the water first and pull the crab towards the net. If you pull the crab close of the surface then set your net, the motion of the net coming down on them will make them swim away.

[@rcva000]

I used to go to Naval Academy for crabbing, used a line just like you did. But crabs don't seem like going there anymore.

[@bowlcat7982]

How often do you switch the bait? I feel chicken lasts a little longer and less likely to get ripped off the line.

[@thundermistlures]

I like to keep the bait fresh and change it up at least every half hour - fresh bait gives off more scent and will attract more crabs. Good luck out there :)

[@BethanyKayFitness]

Great video but I'm wondering what is the best time of the day to go?

[@thundermistlures]

mornings are best, with an incoming or outgoing tide :)

[@BethanyKayFitness]

@@thundermistlures thanks so much!

[@fisherman2359]

New camera ?

[@MrPixlink]

You must put the net in the water before the crab comes to the surface and use a slow scoop method.Do not rush but slowly scoop in one complete motion.

[@sdafasdfasdfsda]

Instead of trying to scoop the crab out of the water, you can just jam the net behind the crab because the crab naturally wants to shoot backwards when alarmed so he will put himself in the net that way.

[@dariorossetto3317]

Hi, I ask what bait you are using in the video

[@thundermistlures]

it was a cut piece of fish

[@eightgeorge]

If you put the bait in a netting bag , like the ones that hold fruit. The crab will get stuck in it and give you more time to scope it up.

[@thundermistlures]

+eightgeorge Thanks for the crabbing tip :)

[@spencer5438]

Chicken necks stay on longer than any other thing. Also on the traps once all I caught was puffer fish

[@TheInkyAbys]

We keep on getting rock crabs. Like a lot of rock crabs, the entire trap gets filled with them. And I mean we tried a lot of areas but I swear they follow us.

[@kenny69tehkoolkid3]

Wow those crabs are beautiful

[@thundermistlures]

+Kenny69TehKoolKId We did get some nice blue crabs that day and enjoyed a nice meal that night :)

[@kenny69tehkoolkid3]

+Thundermist Lures I never actually saw a blue crab, but their color is awesome

[@tyrelllovitt4234]

👍

[@dazoomcat]

went fishing in the Potomac river last weekend and the crabs had a time with our squid bait.

[@j_pasty_w1823]

+michael meyer Same thing happens to me when I go stripper fishing in the rivers of Maine. Just I use cut mackerel.

[@yaearmeow]

What bait did you say to use? It sounds like you say fish and then beef hahah also, what’s the best time to go crabbing in Texas?

[@thundermistlures]

we used a piece of fresh fish and we also said that chicken will also work...good luck :)

[@chy986]

Where to buy the crab trap? What's this crab catching tool called?

[@thundermistlures]

usually, the local bait shops carry them, but if not, you can get them from most big box stores :)

[@Weezulguy]

Stop yer YAPPIN n start yer CATCHIN, Phil!

[@MrFlak188]

so are these crabs freshwater or saltwater? And what kind of areas do you look for to catch them?

[@j_pasty_w1823]

+MrFlak188 Most likely saltwater, and in shore areas with fairly deep water does well. You want rocky places because they hide under them.

[@thundermistlures]

+MrFlak188 These are slat water Blue crabs - although the area we were crabbing in was a back bay, one of the best places to find them are in those small inlets/creeks off of a main salt water body :)

[@anajay78]

I caught crabs in the navy.

[@DisasterResponse]

No

[@AD-mq9yh]

@@DisasterResponse bro you are wrong. I was with him in 1912

[@TerrapinCreations666]

I love crabbing but I never know what is the best time of year to go, lol I'm in NJ.

[@kardkingz3380]

July, August,September

[@TerrapinCreations666]

Thanks!

[@thundermistlures]

....i also agree with Kard.....summer months are the best in NJ....once the water warms up, the crabbing turns on and feeder creeks are an excellent place to catch them :)

[@conquertheweekend6040]

Best time for any shellfish are months without an "R" may June July august

[@gianguyen-jb1pz]

Do you know where are the places for crabbing at NJ. Thanks

[@tyrelllovitt4234]

👍👍

[@Luis-yn8qf]

where is this? looks like galveston tx

[@thundermistlures]

This was actually in North Carolina :) maybe someday we will make our way to Texas as well

[@helenvenables9745]

my dad crabs I caught an eel while crab fishing while I'm 8 and 7 blue and red crabs and 68 normal crabs and 2 eels get it x

[@thundermistlures]

sounds like a great day Helen :)

[@samiransaha4522]

+Thundermist Lures hi Ivo, these r in saltwater right?

[@thundermistlures]

That's right :)

[@madcrabber1113]

Eel is a great bait for crab.

[@GreenTea4101]

is this Chincoteague Island by any chance?

[@thundermistlures]

+GreenTea4101 This crabbing episode was filmed in North Carolina just outside of Pamlico Sound :)

[@stevey3491]

i assume this is not Ontario? I don't know much about crabbing :)

[@madcrabber1113]

No Blue Crabs there.

[@sandstone388]

Do you have a good way of preventing your crabs from fighting each other when you have them in the bucket?

[@thundermistlures]

+sandstone388 That's a tough one....if you put them in a cooler with ice, they will start to become dormant and less aggressive :)

[@MrPixlink]

Take a wet croker or burlap bag to set on the top of the crabs as you full your bucket. The burlap must be wet to keep the crabs alive. A little water in the bottom, maybe 1-2 inches should be enough.

[@driftless1870]

Ice them down. They’ll settle right down in a hurry.

[@bmore_ken6378]

i live right next to the bay in MD so these guys are everywhere

[@thundermistlures]

nice to live so close....good luck out there :)

[@trenttatro610]

Alfagames I live by Golden Beach in mechanicsville/Charlotte hall in MD. Wanting to get into blue crabbing. Do you think golden beach would have any blue crab? I'm completely new to this so have no idea what type of areas to look for

[@wathanakpeth1172]

where you crabbing at?

[@ashleybutler9044]

why does that crab look dead? was it on ice? what area are you in? looks like Chincoteague.

[@thundermistlures]

+Ashley Butler Actually, this crab was just caught moments earlier and calmed right down after having him in my hand for a while, while the camera man got ready - we were fishing just outside of Pamlico sound in North Carolina, at Mattamuskeet :) I have also been to chinoteague and have great memories of excellent clamming there

[@mikelhowsley629]

+Thundermist Lures the best time to go crabbing is during a full moon

[@christophereverett5695]

chicken legs or thighs leave out over night to get nice and ripe crabs love the smell under water

[@goingaboutmyfathersbusines4359]

I use turkey meat..works better then chicken in my opinion..☺️..traps are the way to go if u want to catch more then 1 at a time..

[@daitch3992]

to avoid losing the crabs off the chicken line, wrap the bait in panty hose. crags have difficulty letting go.

[@zachorlowski289]

Should I put crabs in water when I get them

[@BlackWarriorLures]

Yeah, we used to get scraps from the butcher.

[@edgarescobar9895]

you are crabbing in hudson river new york???

[@thundermistlures]

This was in NC :)

[@AlCharod]

Thundermist Lures this looks like Lake Mattamuskeet NC I'M FROM Delaware but my great grandma is from fairfield...

[@thundermistlures]

....great observation....you are bang on :)

[@ronsheppard9895]

Put the dip net into the water to rest on the bottom and walk the crab into the net.

[@johnny-zz8wf]

im going to catch it and release it back into the wild

[@doucheousmalfoy6119]

WELL ARENT U A SAVAGE

[@paulsexauer2690]

Can u so an episode of striper fishing please I love salt water

[@thundermistlures]

Hi Paul - here you go.....our best striper episode: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mISpZqqqhLeNhKs

[@awsomness1014]

Where is this?

[@suthidasingharuksa41]

What location are you at?

[@thundermistlures]

we were crabbing out of Englehard North Carolina :)

[@ophiuchus1116]

You don't gotta go to the Ocean to catch crabs! 🦀🦀🦀 🌠 The More You Know!

[@alexalamo830]

Part 2 ?

[@elcid8423]

Florida doesn't have a minimum size limit but any smaller then about 5 1/2 isn't worth picking. Largest I ever got in MD was around 8 3/4". Smaller around 5" are good for sauce. Larges US record was around 10 1/2" If you'r told by someone (usually from one of the gulf states) that they caught larger....it's BS.

[@itskyle8622]

What state did you crab in

[@thundermistlures]

north Carolina :)

[@mikemanning5019]

Phil should've had the net in the water before the line got to the surface, just sayin. Also the best bait is chicken left outside until it starts stinking.

[@thundermistlures]

Thanks for the feedback Mike - much appreciated and good luck on the water :)

[@soundsofstardom8431]

where were you crabbing? state? city?

[@Realtrollking2988]

I think it's a city

[@dtmnewstheoutspokenone597]

Where were you crabbing at?

[@thundermistlures]

North Carolina - near Pamlico sound :)

[@pigsnott1]

Where did you get the trap ??

[@thundermistlures]

can't recall the name but it was a local tackle shop :)