Every July and August on the Nantucket Sound side of Cape Cod, the late summer waters warm to temperatures suitable to begin the mating season of the mating season of the Blue Crab. While not as famous a crustacean as the lobster, Blue Crabs are considered a delicacy and are prized for their culinary value.
How to Catch a Blue Crab:
All along the southern Cape Cod coast, there are dozens of places and opportunities to catch a limit of blue crabs for dinner. It has to be the easiest fishing one can do on the Cape and it is a fun activity for the entire family. Children are fascinated by these creatures...just don't let them get too close to the claws. They are amongst the strongest in the ocean.
The most basic method of capturing crabs from the shore is the chicken neck technique. You will need to purchase 1) a long handled, wide meshed crabbing net(available at Goose Hummock main store) 2. a five gallon ( with a lid) 3. A commercially produced weighted crab line or a spool of thick twine and some sinkers.
To begin crabbing, tie a chicken neck, thigh or drumstick securely to the end of the weighted line. Toss the line out into the water and let it sink deep enough until it settles to the bottom. From the moment you put the bait in the water, start watching the line. When the crab picks up the scent of the bait, they will immediately grasp it in a death grip with those powerful claws and begin to move away towards deeper water with it. As they line begins to move away, gently pick up the line and begin a slow, steady hand over hand retrieve. As the crab comes into sight, slowly raise the bait and swing the crab towards your net.
Crabs are a super aggressive, tenacious predator.. most often , if gently retrieved, a blue crab will hang on long enough for you to net him. As you release your catch into your bucket, be very cautious how you handle it- crabs are fast and quick to lash out. If there alot of crabs in the area you are fishing, you will have action until your bait runs out or you reach your legal limit. Remember, crabs must be 5 inches long from spike to spike to keep and females must be safely returned to the water. Females are easy to identify by the very distinct red tips on their claws. Crabs will live in your bucket for hours if kept out of the direcdt sun.
Where to crab
All along Cape Cod's miles of Nantucket Sound coastline will hold Blue Crabs May- September.
Some of the most productive spots are also the easiest to access: Bass River Bridge in Yarmouth, Herring River Bridge in Harwich and the Swan River bridge in Dennis are great places to check out.
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