Running blue crab pots (how to catch & clean crabs)

Ahoy legends! This week Lindsay and I head out rough weather crabbing for blue swimmer (blue manner) crabs. With a lot of recent rain and some bad weather forecast there’s only one thing left too do and that’s sink a few pots and see what we can catch! After coping a few rogue waves and waiting overnight we’re greeted by some surprising captures! Hope you enjoy the episode!
Shop for all SHF merch and fishing tools from www.sammyhitzkefishing.com

[@Bigfella2219]

I strongly believe that within the rules of crabbing, saying “it feels heavy” when feeling the pot should be made mandatory.

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Hahah 100% agree with this! 🤣🙌

[@weFishAU]

"Give them another 40 seconds". A very precise measurement. Good episode.

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Gotta make the big calls some times 🤣🤣

[@QuikFliksCQ]

my dog only tops barking at the tv when sammy hitzkes on lol

[@Antipodean33]

Some of my best memories as a kid back the 1960s/70s was going out raking crabs at Saint Kilda beach here in South Oz. We'd drag baby baths behind us and wade out what felt like a good mile raking the big blueys up. Then back on the beach boiling them up and feasting on them while the old man and his mates were getting half tanked on the piss. Not many kids get to see that life these days

[@DCA001TUBE]

Used to go fishin with my old man off St Kilda or maybe Brighton pier in the 60's, can't remember, it was that bloody long ago, thanks for the memories.

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

That sounds like a great childhood activity!! Unreal mate 🙌🙌

[@0239666]

@@SammyHitzkeFishing How long is your line to the float? I live close to Botany Bay and have crab trap, I just never know where to drop it. Any tips in that particular bay?

[@hawnjoe925]

Wow thanks for sharing this with us crabs 🦀looks delicious 👍Aloha 🤙

[@stephenmschulte4771]

Well done boys. Nice to see some good crabs from up North.

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

👌👌 cheers mate!

[@fishwithchris03]

Wow good stuff, I enjoyed watching, I love crabs.

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Cheers mate 👍

[@gurantobennett3513]

1 of your funniest yet!😂😂😂

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Cheers mate! 🤣🍻

[@waynelee-leong9856]

Bait on bottom for me Sammy. Amongst the elements is the best. Love ya vids mate.😎🍻🍻

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Cheers mate 🍻🍻

[@pearcebrown1043]

I am packing the boat right now to head out and chase a few! Great video mate

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Hope you got a few mate 🍻🍻

[@mikeludwikowski7050]

Lol I was scared by the title. Reminded me of my wilder days! Thanks as always for your work!

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Hahah rough by our standards!

[@benturton3358]

Yeeees Sammy, I’m ready this week. Nice one mate!🍺🍺🍻🍻

[@benturton3358]

Bought my first boat too! Quintrex 420 dory with a 30 hp, Bimini etc. so stoked

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Epic mate! Enjoy 🍻🍻🍻

[@johnsharman6735]

Graham is right about the Mandurah crabs!! Just got bag from getting a bag of 24 Crays between the 3 of us as well!! 😜

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Hahah well that sounds bloody good 🤤🤤

[@sniktripn7217]

Nice haul guys

[@NickoOutBush]

favourite type of fishing. always bottom bait... as crabs will climb the pot and eat on the top of it. great cooking method and the honey i must try. im in nsw. and allowed two pots per boat. don’t eat many as a result. cheers Sammy. always entertaining. 🦀

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

At least you guys can eat Jenny’s though 👌

[@garysmeltzer1933]

Yeah but you can keep the girls

[@kizzyaggots1]

Sammy, my old mate Douggie (dec) used to be a master fisherman, he always baited on the bottom and faced the main entries to the incomming and outgoing tide. For sandies he's stager them 100 metres long and wide, aka covering as much area as possible. Hope this is some help. Woooooohoooooyehahhh big bait big fish!!!

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Yeah I’m sure there is heaps of 1% stuff you could do to increase you captures. I wished I got crabbing more!

[@rollyb5061]

top episode Sammy

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Thanks mate! 🍻🍻

[@BenState]

Size across the body of a beer can, that's legal. Plus, we used to use old meat kept in the sun for a week. Works a treat

[@arronwellington5522]

Awsome nice feed for the boys there mate yahoo

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

They were pretty stoked about it! 👌👌

[@carolinelloyd1858]

Ps ive always bottom baited as I grew up snorkeling South oz as a kid and spent many hours watching crab and fish behaviours and the baits and nets- if you top bait many crabs will simply sit on top n poke their claws thru to pinch off chunks of bait without entering the trap- if you bottom bait they literally have to climb inside to reach it. And plz whitting fishos, stop trying to set the hook- there's no need and you'll more often than not just rip the hook thru their soft lips. When you watch how they feed, they suck the bait in and out taste testing it before they actually eat it so if you feel a nibble and strike it will often just result in no hook up- be patient and wait til it hooks itself. Tight lines fishos 🤙

[@-WondersofCreation]

These crabs are designed to eat! Nice cook up Sammy.

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Thanks mate! Tasty little critters they are!! 👌👌

[@jakeoldham3267]

BEEN WATCHING FOR YEARS commenting till sammy takes me fishing think this is ep/week/ (5)

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

🍻🍻🍻

[@nathansoutbackfishing]

Awesome job

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Thanks mate 🍻🍻

[@nathansoutbackfishing]

@@SammyHitzkeFishing all good

[@James-ef1ix]

Oh your the bloke of 4wd 247 😜✌️✌️

[@TimNye850]

Here in Florida we call a nice male blue crab a ‘Jimmy’. A Jimmy that is about to molt we call ‘Rusty’.

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Well there you go! 🍻🍻

[@jees3474]

Interesting

[@moored1979]

I always boil my crabs whole in water with a bunch of salt and sugar. And all those 'guts' and juices you get out of the cooked head ... are amazing when added to some stir fry noodles ;)

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

I’ll have to try it that way 👌👌

[@bobbyjim9311]

I sip tie the bait to the bottom cause on top they can get on top and eat it from the outside

[@EcoMuseImages_GrahamCahill]

The best crabs are your mates crabs and yours were mouth watering!!! 🦀

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Hahaha happy to hunt and gather for the boys, looking forward to a marron Sandwich next 🤤👌👌

[@untitled_gaming7349]

Hey bro great video always make me smile keep it up … and what brand boat do you have

[@MikaeleIosefa714]

Been enjoying your videos. We don't have anywhere close to the number of fish here in So-Cal . Makes me want to move !! lol

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Haha it’s not always like that!

[@MikaeleIosefa714]

@@SammyHitzkeFishing even what you catch is almost impossible unless we have el nino. Over fished here big time. Not like it was when I was a kid in the 80s. Then the good spots are now closed. But is what it is. I'm happy to get my line wet whenever I can. Cheers. Lookin gorward to more videos thanks Sammy.

[@carolinelloyd1858]

Graham From WA is right 🤣 I've fished and crabbed all around oz and the only place you'll find bigger blues than in Mandurah (Yeah ok I'm a Mandurah girl lol) Is in South Australia (Ceduna, streaky Bay, Venus Bay etc) out in deep waters where you'll see them get to sizes we simply don't get anywhere else in oz (not even Mandurah) 😏

[@cobra646]

Quick question, do crabs (muddies specifically) molt by season or just individually? I've recently gotten a haul of mud crabs but they were all thin on meat and very soft shells, so I'm wondering how to improve that.

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Hey mate, not sure exactly when they molt, but usually if they have a soft shell we just let them go. Not worth it 🍻🍻

[@petterstroberg2521]

swell made me remember diving the ss yongala outside of ayr... really need to come back to qld....

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Hahah yeah was a bit bumpy!!

[@gamingtips6370]

Hey just wondering what are the crab pots/traps that you are using and where did you get them from?

[@fishingspeciesafrica5811]

You the master

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Thanks for watching 🍻🍻

[@lincoln965]

It’s 12:30 am I should be sleeping but I’m watching Sammy hitzke

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Hahah sounds like a pretty good excuse to stay up 🤷‍♂️👌👌

[@geecee9562]

Always bottom bait to avoid cherry pickers sitting on the top. Chicken frames or wings or my old fish frames as bait. I miss crab raking back where I grew up in South Australia, bag out in 40mins. But, you can't rake anywhere in Brissy. 🤣

[@stevec9444]

Great haul,,……thought the QLD possession limit was 20 per boat?. Any recommendations for best moon phase and/ or tides for crabbin?

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

20 per person mate. No real moon phase in my opinion, just get them in the water and have a crack 👌

[@b-ave_yourself]

Fukn oaf graham you know the go brother🤙🏾 Mandurah got dem orses #WestIsBest

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Hahah he wouldn’t know anything!!

[@BenZFishing]

I’m a commercial Dungeness guy out here in California. We run our bait suspended in the pot from the top. Our reasoning is sand can jam up your jars or coat your bait preventing it from leaking scent right. Some old timer also claim it’s better to bait on top because of a little critter we call sand fleas. Hope this helps!

[@ausfishing347]

We don't have sand fleas in Australia

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Interesting to hear how you guys do it 👌👌

[@ausfishing347]

@@SammyHitzkeFishing no way you actually liked my comment I love you

[@jayjohnson9668]

If you add about a half cup of vinegar into your boil the meat comes out of the shell much easier!…..thats and old Charleston SC secret😎👍👍

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

I’ve heard that a few times actually. Never really had a drama getting the meat out 🤷‍♂️

[@jayjohnson9668]

@@SammyHitzkeFishing Just try it and you will see what I’m talking about!😎👍

[@jayjohnson9668]

@@SammyHitzkeFishing Theres always drama when you get the meat out!🤣

[@scotttucker3673]

Top

[@davidashwin2245]

Approximately how long do you steam them for Sammy ?

[@dwightsurgan9887]

Sammy, I think it's about time you entered the big leagues and got a beer sponsor bro

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Haha I wouldn’t say no to that at all! 😍😍

[@johnelkins4250]

Traps we use here holds bait center of the trap . Keeps crabs from feeding from outside trap

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Nice! 👌👌👌

[@alanahartwig2628]

Fresh is best

[@MadFishing247]

Good Episode mate, Crab bait always goes on the bottom or they just sit on top of your pot and eat. Cheers

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

That’s what I said! 💪

[@williamqi8887]

Sammy. Like your bait board. Could you please let me know where did you get it?

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

I got it custom made mate 👍👍

[@tk_games3516]

bait on the bottom is the way to go

[@lennygid8452]

Hi there , mate need to know what your opinion is on these (heavy duty ) crab traps/pots , BCF and Anaconda sell them but they also sell a identical one that is not heavy duty , have you used the cheap ones ? is the netting different , thanks for your reply

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

I like the HD mate, they have the rope around the rings and a better bait pocket. Last longer in my opinion 👍

[@lennygid8452]

@@SammyHitzkeFishing thank you

[@b3nny90]

Hey mate is there any differences between mud and sand crab pot setups that you do or same same??

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Same for both usually mate 👌👌

[@martinberkhout8462]

I use empty goon bags for crab floats. Just blow them up when you use them and deflate when storing

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Hahah and you get to drink the goon first. Win win 👌🤣

[@martinberkhout8462]

@@SammyHitzkeFishing if your into that sort of thing 🤣🤣🤣

[@danielthompson6225]

Bait on the bottom for sure. Crabs will sit on the top of the pot and pull the bait through. Bait on the bottom and make sure pot lands flat on the ground

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

👌👌

[@lindseycampbell5531]

Sammy, what knot are you using to attach the float?

[@gazpixs]

Uni knot Lindsey, just looks different on rope than line. Cheers

[@lindseycampbell5531]

@@gazpixs thanks!

[@mayersimchasandman9147]

I agree that the bait should go on the bottom since if it's on the top the crabs you don't have to go in the pot to pick at it they can just sit on top of the trap instead

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

👍👍

[@mikeludwikowski7050]

Nothing like 🦀 earned 🦀 eats. Ohh hate pot stealers! 😂

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Bloody oath!

[@darkpro3759]

its better having the bait on the bottom because if you have it on top it helps the crabs get out

[@12itsmeyt84]

Bottom

[@scottrussell1044]

Bunch of smashed crabs there 🥴😋🤣🦀

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

🤣🤣

[@scotttucker3673]

Genuine question. Why wouldn't you keep that shark for a feed? Is it the time it could have been dead in the pot?

[@williamadeyeye694]

Yeah mate I’d say so, you never know how long it could have been sitting there.

[@scotttucker3673]

@@williamadeyeye694 Thanks mate

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Yeah mate didn’t want to risk it 👍

[@maxfish4770]

My Pop taught me to top bait, he reckoned some of the crabs will go under the trap and eat the bait from underneath.

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Well there you go! 👌👌

[@maxfish4770]

@@SammyHitzkeFishing Just watched the Skid Pig with a pro crabber, he top baited. Interesting topic, maybe a test is in order?

[@l8829]

So sad we didn't get to see Lindsay would've loved to hear her insight.

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

🤣🤣🤣

[@dallasfischer3295]

I believe you put bait on the bottom as if you have it on top the crabs can get the bait from the top of the pot and if it’s on the bottom they actually gotta be in the pot to get to the bait

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

👌👌

[@matthomas6575]

On the bottom

[@smee103]

Tried crabbing in Port Stephens once and came back to all my witches hats all slashed maybe I will get some traps and try again

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

That sucks!!

[@brettm.s.1169]

That shark looked dead as a Donut.

[@teresamerklin4614]

You need some seasoning to make it good!

[@moonpiespotlight4759]

These hurt when you catch them, when you clean them, when you freeze them and when you eat them.

[@maxboothey1928]

bottom food is on the bottom for crabs

[@blakeleesahannaford8259]

Where abouts do you launch your boat

[@lukeisanuke2551]

What crab pot is that?

[@androdemees2484]

Lesson learned....best crab pot bait is on the bottom....right right

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

🍻🍻🍻

[@christophergould2728]

Most definitely bait on bottom, been crabbing for 60 yrs, never had success with bait on top.

[@cameronthurman8284]

Always put bait on bottom mate, another good vid

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

👌👌

[@garysmeltzer1933]

I thought I could hear Shaun’s voice is he onboard

[@royceproud6760]

No what I will be doing next weekend

[@TheFishingWarriorsOfficial]

Wowww nice fishing 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love From India fishing channel ❤️

[@darrenfisherman3838]

Actually I never tried honey in it before I mite have to try it one day

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Give it a whirl! 👌👌

[@Fyrverkeri_norge]

Bait bottom

[@daviddunmall8692]

Bottem

[@maplebacon5748]

Bottom otherwise the crabs take the bait and don't get caught in the pot. Learnt that from a pro

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

👌👌👌 sweet, I was right 🤗🤗

[@keiran_wilkinson]

only 1 option when you've only ever used hoop nets 🤣

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Haha that’s true!

[@masonturd7157]

we call them blue swimmers in sa mate a sand crab is different species

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

We Calls them sandies up here in QLD 👌👌

[@ivosimovic5258]

When do the tuna, mahi and Marlin videos coming back? Much support from 🇳🇱

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

You should be enjoying them now! 👌👌

[@ivosimovic5258]

@@SammyHitzkeFishing I am definitely

[@spbspermbrosadventures6388]

Bottom I put my bait and wth those same pots my max in one pot is 2 so yeah pretty pissed u catch loads in the same bloody pots I have

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Hahah got lucky 👌👌🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@gethookedadventures2836]

Surely your mowing that lawn soon

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Hhah still haven’t mowed it 🤣🤣

[@gethookedadventures2836]

@@SammyHitzkeFishing your shocking 😂

[@matthomas6575]

Would you clean muddies the same way

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

I reckon you could! 👌👌

[@milesabove5259]

Bait on the bottom, otherwise you end up with the crabs gathering on the top of the pot.

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

🍻🍻🍻

[@TheBeaker59]

Should have rebaited and dropped then go for a squid session and topped up for a limit bag with a squid sanger on the side

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Would have loved too if it wasn’t so rough!

[@joshuasteuart3341]

See you at the secret spot any word on how beacon to beacon going this time of the month

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

Not sure mate, haven’t fished the beacons in a while 🤷‍♂️

[@carson215]

Get big jimmy Pierson on for a sesh

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

He’s busy playing cricket the big man!

[@carson215]

@@SammyHitzkeFishing I get that but the heat aren’t doing too well and surely Sammy hitzke fishing sessions are priority

[@stephenjeacocke1530]

Caprice she’ll needs to cooked and transported with each crab too fisheries law you shoul mention that

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

That’s only applies to on the water mate, not once they are home 👍

[@michaelsimons6714]

Blue swimmer crab not sand crab also known as blue manner crabs

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

We call them sand crabs here in QLD mate. Same species

[@ironmaiden1236541]

What the fark is sand crab?

[@SammyHitzkeFishing]

The QLD Name for a blue swimmer or blue crab 👍