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How to Go Crab Fishing in Myrtle Beach

How to Go Crab Fishing in Myrtle Beach

large cooked crab claws image by green308 from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Crab fishing at Myrtle Beach and the surrounding coastal areas does not usually occur on the beaches, but instead the tasty crustacean is often found in the many small inlets that can be lined with creosote-covered posts. It is also possible to go crabbing off a pier. But in general, the closer you are to the water, the easier it will be to pull in some blue crabs. Good crabbing can also be done from low bridges or piers that cross a tidal river, bay or the Intercoastal Waterway.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • 1 lb. raw chicken necks
  • 40 feet strong string or parachute cord
  • 5 gal. clean sheetrock bucket filled with fresh seawater
  • Dipping net long enough to reach 1 to 2 feet underwater
  • An assistant
  • Pair of heavy gloves
Step 1
Take at least 20 feet of cord and securely tie one end around an uncooked chicken neck.
Step 2
Gently lower the piece of meat into the water. Make sure the neck descends straight downward.
Step 3
Wait for a tug. Once you feel one, wait another 10 seconds and then slowly raise the chicken meat toward the surface. Do not raise the meat with the attached crab above the water line or it might let go of the meat.
Step 4
Instruct your assistant to position the dipping net directly underneath the crab.
Step 5
Allow your assistant to raise the net out of the water. If done successfully, the crab and chicken neck should be contained within the net and the net should be suspended just a few inches above the water.
Step 6
Let the rope go slack.
Step 7
Raise the dipping net to the fishing surface, being careful not to tilt the net so that the crab can escape.
Step 8
Plunge the dipping net into the bucket of sea water and then turn the net upside down. If the crab continues to hang onto the net, raise the net out of the water and let the crab drop back into the water. Sometimes crabs need to be removed by hand from the net. If so, a thick pair of gloves should be worn.
Step 9
Remove the chicken neck from the bucket and try to catch another crab.

Tips & Warnings

 
Saltwater fishing licenses are required for crabbing.
 
Make sure the rope is securely tied around the chicken neck.
 
Crabs can usually be caught in abundant numbers from April through December.
 
A crab must be at least 5 inches minimum carapace width (point to point) to be kept.
 
Females with eggs must be thrown back into the water from which they were caught.
 
Keep your fingers away from the pincher claws.
 
Obey all state laws concerning the size of crabs taken.

Article Written By Henri Bauholz

Henri Bauholz is a professional writer covering a variety of topics, including hiking, camping, foreign travel and nature. He has written travel articles for several online publications and his travels have taken him all over the world, from Mexico to Latin America and across the Atlantic to Europe.

Write for Trails.com

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