Crab lining

Blue crabs

Crab lining is a handlining technique used to catch crabs. A piece of bait, normally the neck or leg of a chicken, is tied to one end with a weight in order to keep it from floating. The line is then cast by hand to an area approximately five to ten feet from where it is being cast. This is to ensure easy retrieval of the line and to avoid unnecessary time spent fighting currents, rocks, and other obstacles in the water. Once a crab takes the bait, the line will tighten. It is important to not tug at the line once a pull is noticed. The line must be slowly retrieved, inch-by-inch, until the crab is visible in the water. Upon visibility, a hand net may be used to capture the crab.

This technique is widely used by travelers, children, and recreational fishermen to catch crabs in bays, jettys, and piers throughout the world. The most commonly caught species of crabs through this technique is blue crabs.

Crab lining Equipment

Bait:

• Chicken: drumstick, chicken neck
• Fish: mullet (fish), mackerel, squid

Line:

• 15 lbs. or heavier monofilament fishing line, braided fishing line, twine

Net:

• 7 ft. or longer hand net

Regulations

Although there are restrictions for commercial fishermen, crabbing with hand lines for recreational purposes is open throughout the year in most states. There are limits and seasons for catching female crabs. Please refer to individual state fishery guidelines.

Related links

• fishing
• crabbing
• handlining