How to crab in Maryland? Quick guide

[OldLineHunt4]

- Use hand lines or traps with chicken necks for bait.
- Try Wye River, Assateague, or Chesapeake Bay spots.
- Go early morning with rising tides.
- Cook with Old Bay because it tastes great.

Where do you crab and what is your favorite bait?

 

[Green582]

I grew up crabbing off docks on the Eastern Shore, and chicken necks were always the family go-to. Cheap, easy to get, and the crabs can't resist them. These days I run a trotline on the Wye when I can, and it's hard to beat for steady action. If I'm out with the kids, we stick with collapsible traps because they like pulling them up and seeing what's inside. Every once in a while, I'll switch to razor clams for bait. It is messier, but the big jimmies seem to love them. Nothing better than dumping a bushel in the pot with Old Bay and a few beers on the table.

 

[Mauser58]

Growing up chicken necks, wings and backs were free from any butcher shop. They couldnt sell that stuff back then. Also used to catch and salt eels and night time was best to catch them. Now I catch a batch of white perch which I can catch a five gallon bucket of them in less than an hour. I nylon tie them into collapsable traps after slicing belly open. Free best bait for traps now. Most commercial guys use razor clams.

 

[Serbes0]

- Use hand lines or traps with chicken necks for bait.
- Try Wye River, Assateague, or Chesapeake Bay spots.
- Go early morning with rising tides.
- Cook with Old Bay because it tastes great.

Where do you crab and what is your favorite bait?

Nice tips, I usually hit Chesapeake Bay or Eastern Shore spots. I've had the best luck with chicken necks or cut fish for bait, works every time. How about you, any secret spots or bait tricks?