Crabbing Locations In Annapolis
1. Jonas Green State Park on the Severn River
1990 Governor Ritchie Hwy, Annapolis
410-222-6141
2. Sandy Pointe State Park
1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis
410-974-2149
3. Carefree Boat Club Annapolis
866-262-8322
You Will Need:
- String or crab pot/basket
- Long-handled dip net
- Gloves
- Ruler
- Bucket with lid
- A damp hand towel to cover the crabs to keep them in the bucket.
- Closed-toe shoes
- Bait
How To Catch A Crab
Drop your crab basket or pot into the water and raise it every few minutes to check it or when you feel a tug on it. Your baited basket can be dropped off of a pier or the side of a boat.
Use the long handled dip net to remove the crab from the trap. When finding a good crab look under the belly of the crab. If it’s dirty looking this means they haven’t recently molted and grown into new shell. These crabs typically will have better crab meat than those with clean or shiny shells.
“According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, recreational crabbers do not need a license to crab with hand lines and dip nets. Property owners may set two crab pots per privately owned pier on their property. The limit is two-dozen hard crabs or 12 soft crabs per person per day.” Chesapeake Family.com
Tip: A crabbing license is required for crabbing with trotlines and crab traps or baskets. Crabbing season starts April 1st and ends December 15th. Learn more at the Department of Natural Resource’s website on size restrictions for keeping crab.
After catching your cab put them in the bucket with a lid until you are ready to cook them. When handling the crab it’s important to wear gloves. While not handling them, keep them covered with a damp cloth.
Cook Your Catch
The traditional way of cooking crabs is by steaming them according to Judy Colbert, author of “Chesapeake Bay Crabs.” Use long-handled tongs to grab the crabs and to avoid being pinched. Layer the crabs in a steaming pot with seafood seasoning for about 20 minutes. The crabs are done when their shells turn a bright reddish-orange color.
Easy as that!
Additional Resources: Maryland Crabbing License
Images and Sources: ChesapeakeFamily.com
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