Mia Patel
Blue crabs are considered a delicacy by gourmets, who prefer their sweet meat over all other locally caught seafood. They are easy to catch and support a considerable commercial fishery. Blue crabs require both inshore brackish waters and high-salinity ocean waters to complete their life cycle. They are found in waters ranging from Massachusetts to Texas, and occasionally north to Nova Scotia and south to Uruguay. If you're interested in catching blue crabs with chicken legs, it's important to check your local regulations and laws first. Once you've done that, you can try the chicken-necking technique, which involves using chicken necks as bait. You can also tie a chicken leg to a string and slowly pull the crab up before scooping it into a net.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken part used | Chicken leg, neck, or chicken on a string |
| Crabbing technique | Chicken necking, trot line, hand line, drop nets, dip nets, collapsible traps, pull traps |
| Gear | String, net, tongs, bucket, hook, bait cage, rod, trap/cage/pot |
| Bait | Chicken, herring, fish head |
| Crab species | Blue crab |
| Crab characteristics | Five pairs of legs, including three pairs of walking legs and one pair of swimming legs; large claws; hard exoskeleton |
| Crab behaviour | More active at night; hide in rocks during low tide |
| Catching process | Tie bait to string and throw into water; wait for tug on string; slowly pull crab up and scoop with net; handle crab carefully from the rear |
| Catch maximisation | Check pots twice per day; deploy multiple lines |
| Legal considerations | Check state laws and local regulations for closed seasons, daily limits, size requirements, and trap/cage/pot restrictions |
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Check local regulations
Crabbing can be done in many ways, and regulations vary depending on the location. In the United States, for example, each state has different regulations for crabbing. In California, there are regulations on traps, cages, pots, snares, and rods, while in Alabama, there are specific rules for setting crab traps in certain areas. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the local regulations before engaging in any crabbing activities.
In Alabama, there are specific regulations for recreational blue crab traps. These traps must have at least two unobstructed escape rings with a minimum diameter of 2 5/16 inches, and they must be placed in a way that does not block access to waterways or public areas. Additionally, from April 1 to September 30, licensed crab catchers can obtain a permit to obstruct or remove the escape rings to catch pre-molt crabs. It is also important to note that egg-bearing female crabs must be returned to the water immediately, and their possession is prohibited except from January 15 to May 15.
Florida has its own set of regulations for blue crab trapping. All traps must have a throat size no larger than 2 inches by 6 inches and a maximum volume of 8 cubic feet. Additionally, these traps must have at least three escape rings, each with a diameter of 2 3/8 inches or larger. The harvester's name and address must be permanently affixed to the trap. Crab snares are not considered legal gear for blue crabs in Florida.
Maryland also has specific regulations for blue crab fishing, including rules for the lawful harvesting of female blue crabs. Non-egg-bearing female crabs can be harvested lawfully, but it is a conservation practice to release them unharmed as they contribute to the population of the species.
It is important to emphasize that these regulations are specific to each location, and crabbers must be aware of the rules and regulations that apply to their particular area. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal consequences and negatively impact the crab population and the environment. Always prioritize sustainability and conservation when engaging in any crabbing activities.
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Prepare your bait
Chicken is a popular bait for crabbing, especially chicken necks. In some places, such as Baltimore, crabbing with chicken necks is called "chicken-necking". Chicken legs can also be used as bait.
To prepare your bait, you will need a ball of string and a chicken leg. Peel off enough string to reach the bottom of the body of water you are crabbing in. Tie the chicken leg to the end of the string. You can also use a hook to attach the chicken leg to the string. Pierce the chicken leg with the hook, or tie the string around the leg.
Chicken necks can be used in a similar way, but you will need to cut them into two-inch segments. Tie the chicken necks to your line with slip knots so they can be easily removed later. You will want a bait every four to five feet, so prepare accordingly.
If you are crabbing without a trap, you can tie fishing line to a chicken leg or neck and haul the crabs in that way. This method is called a "hand line". You can also tie a wooden piece to one end of the line and a hook to the other. Pierce the chicken with the hook and slowly pull the line up after a bit, going inch by inch. When the crab is near the surface, use a net to swipe it slowly.
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Use a hand line
Using a hand line is a simple and effective way to catch blue crabs with chicken legs. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
First, check your local regulations to ensure you are allowed to crab in your area and to understand any specific requirements or restrictions. For example, some states have regulations on the number of traps or lines you can use, and the length of the line may be restricted by law.
Once you are familiar with the local regulations, gather your equipment. You will need a ball of string or fishing line, a chicken leg or neck, and a net. If you are using a chicken leg, tie the string securely to one end of the leg. If you are using a chicken neck, cut it into two-inch segments and tie them to your line with slip knots, spacing them about four to five feet apart.
Now you are ready to start crabbing! Find a suitable spot on a pier, beach, or boat, and drop your chicken leg or neck into the water. If using a chicken leg, let it sink to the bottom. With a chicken neck, wait for the line to pull tight, indicating that a crab is nibbling on the bait. Once you feel a tug or see a crab on your bait, slowly and carefully inch the line back up. Go slowly, as you don't want the crab to let go of the bait. When the crab is within reach or comes into sight, use your net to scoop it up.
It is important to handle blue crabs with caution. Always approach from the rear when picking them up, and be careful of their powerful claws. Even a small crab can inflict a severe pinch with its claws, so consider using long-handled tongs or nets if you are not experienced in handling crabs.
With a little patience and practice, you'll be successfully catching blue crabs with a hand line!
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Use a net
Using a net is a great way to catch blue crabs with chicken legs. Chicken legs are an effective bait for blue crabs, and a net allows you to catch them without the need for a trap. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a net to catch blue crabs with chicken legs:
First, prepare your chicken leg bait. Take a fresh chicken leg and tie it securely to the end of a string or fishing line. You can also use chicken necks or backs as bait, but legs provide a larger surface area for crabs to cling onto. Ensure the knot is tight so that the chicken leg doesn't come loose and float away.
Next, find a suitable location. Blue crabs are typically found in shallow waters, so look for areas where the water depth is less than five feet. Piers, beaches, and tidal rivers are great spots to try your luck. If you're in an area with a strong current, position yourself slightly upstream to avoid your bait drifting too far.
Now, it's time to cast your bait. Carefully toss the chicken leg into the water, allowing it to sink to the bottom. You may need to attach a small weight to the line to help it sink and stay in place. Once it reaches the bottom, let it sit for a few minutes. Crabs may be cautious of new objects in their environment, so giving them a moment to approach the bait will increase your chances of success.
Pay close attention to your line. Blue crabs are opportunistic feeders, so they may quickly latch onto the chicken leg. You'll know a crab has taken the bait when you feel a distinct tug or tension on the line. At this point, start to slowly and carefully retrieve the line. Do this inch by inch, maintaining a slow and steady pace. If you pull too quickly, the crab may let go and scurry away.
As you bring the line closer to the surface, get ready with your net. Use a net on a pole, also known as a dip net, to increase your reach. When you spot the crab, either near the surface or earlier if you sense multiple tugs, quickly and carefully swipe with the net to scoop up the crab. This requires a bit of dexterity and practice, but it's a rewarding skill to master.
Finally, humanely handle and store your catch. Blue crabs have strong claws, so be cautious when removing them from the net. Place them in a secure container with a lid, ensuring proper ventilation. You can also use long-handled tongs to pick them up and transfer them to a holding area. Remember to follow local regulations and guidelines for crabbing, including size requirements and daily limits.
Using a net in combination with chicken leg bait is a simple and effective method for catching blue crabs. It's a great technique to try during the summer months when crabbing is at its peak. With patience and practice, you'll be able to enjoy the sweet and tasty meat of these delightful crustaceans.
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Steam your catch
Now that you've caught your blue crabs using chicken legs as bait, it's time to steam your catch! Here's a step-by-step guide:
Prepare the Crabs:
Before steaming, it's essential to humanely dispatch the crabs if you haven't already. Place them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to sedate them, then use a sharp knife to quickly pierce each crab behind its mouth. This will ensure the crabs are insensible to pain before cooking.
Choose Your Pot and Steamer Basket:
Select a large pot with a tight-fitting lid. A steamer basket, colander, or a large metal sieve can be used if it fits inside your pot. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can create a makeshift one by placing a metal vegetable steamer or a heat-proof dishware elevated on a heat-resistant object, like a metal jar or ring in the pot.
Prepare the Steaming Liquid:
Fill the bottom of the pot with an inch or two of water. You can also add other liquids like beer, white vinegar, or a combination of these for added flavour. Season the water with salt, bay leaves, lemon wedges, or a splash of white wine to infuse your crabs with extra taste. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
Add the Crabs:
Once the liquid is boiling, carefully place the crabs into the steamer basket, ensuring they are not submerged in the liquid. It's important to avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Work in batches if necessary. Cover the pot with its lid.
Steam the Crabs:
Let the crabs steam for the appropriate time, depending on their size. Smaller crabs will take around 8 minutes, medium-sized crabs about 10 minutes, and larger crabs up to 12 minutes. You can also steam for longer, up to 20-30 minutes, for a more intense flavour and colour. The crabs are ready when they turn bright orange or red, and no blue-green colour remains.
Season and Serve:
After steaming, sprinkle the crabs with your chosen seasoning blend. Maryland crab seasoning, also known as Old Bay Seasoning, is a popular choice, often paired with melted butter and vinegar. Alternatively, use a blend of celery seed, cayenne pepper, rock salt, mustard powder, and red chilli flakes for a kick. Serve the crabs on a bed of newspaper or brown paper for easy clean-up and a classic crab feast experience!
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Frequently asked questions
Tie a chicken leg to a string and dangle it in the water. When the line pulls tight, slowly inch the line back up until the crab comes into sight. Then, scoop it up with a net.
You can use a trot line, which is a longer line with baits attached at regular intervals. You can also use a net to catch blue crabs, either by seining or dipping.
Chicken necking is a specific crabbing technique where you use chicken necks as bait. It can be done from a boat, pier, or beach.
Blue crabs can inflict severe injury if not handled properly. Always approach a crab from the rear and use long-handled tongs or nets to pick them up.
