The 2022 crabbing season is underway and it couldn't be easier to get started!

Is there anything better than a big pile of steamed blue crabs? As spring heats up and turns into summer, crabbing becomes a family-friendly activity in the DMV. Crabs are surprisingly easy to catch once you have the right equipment. Here are the four things you need to try your hand at catching your own dinner.

1. A great crabbing spot

Whether you live in Maryland or Virginia, the Chesapeake Bay and its riversheds will be your best bet for finding blue crabs. That said, you will want to hunt down a fishing pier or marina where you can drop your line. Brackish water close to the bay in a river will also work, so do your homework and scour those online forums for local crabbing spots.

Take a look at the regulations in Maryland and Virginia once you pick a location, and be sure to follow the rules regarding size and total hauls.

crab
Photo by John Chase (Pexels)

2. A handline

This can be yarn, nylon rope, or string, but it should be something comfortable to hold and bring back up. A fishing line isn't great for crabbing, as it helps to be able to see if your line is wandering without nibbles. You'll want your handline on a spool or sturdy piece of cardboard so you can wind it up quickly.

3. Bait

Chicken necks make great crab bait. They're cheap and bony, so it's hard for the crabs to grab and go. You can use a single piece over and over again as long as it still has meat on it, so pick up a package next time you're at the grocery store. Chicken backs work well too if you can find them, so keep an eye out and freeze them until you need them.

4. A bucket

Both Maryland and Virginia have a limit of two dozen crabs per person, so a 5-gallon bucket with a lid should be fine to hold your catch. Lay a wet towel over the top of the bucket for the ride home or poke some holes in the bucket's lid.

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Photo by Mark Stebnicki (Pexels)

If you've got all of these things, you won't need anything else to get started. Once you get the hang of it, you may want to invest in a good dip net or a personal crab trap. Don't get discouraged if you don't get too many at first; you'll have your own secret spots in no time.

A picnic lunch is also something you should take with you, and a big bottle of water to keep you hydrated. Like fishing, crabbing involves a whole lot of sitting and watching, so think about your comfort out in the hot sun.

Is crabbing something you do every summer? Do you have any tips for beginners? Share them with us in the comments!

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