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A freshly-caught North Carolina blue crab
North Carolina is one of the very best states for blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus). These crustaceans thrive in the state’s inshore waters, and may be caught recreationally by crabbers.
Blue crabs are mainly scavengers that feed on dead fish that they find, although at times they eat aquatic vegetation and small creatures which they are able to catch. The carapace width of blue crabs must be between 5 and 6.5 inches in length (the length from point to point across the shell) to be legally kept in North Carolina, and special permits are required for their sale.
Male and female blue crabs are easily distinguished by certain differing body characteristics. On the underside of the shell, female crabs exhibit wide, pyramid shaped markings (known as aprons) with a small point, whereas male crabs have long, narrow, pointed aprons on their abdomens. Male blue crabs also tend to have bright indigo blue- colored pinchers.
Crabbing may be done with hand lines, as usually, permits are required to set traps. Chicken necks and fish heads are great baits to rig onto crab lines, because they are oily and crabs easily pick up their scent. Crabbing may be done from docks or small bridges, and in addition to lines, crab nets are also necessities for crabbing. Once a crab is felt on a crab line, the line should be slowly (very slowly) lifted from the water, and before breaking the surface, the bait and crab at the end of the line should be scooped by the net. If a crab falls off or lets go before it is netted, dropping the bait back in the same place will often attract the very same crustacean again.
Caught blue crabs are usually boiled or steamed, and then their meat may be used in various other dishes, such as crab cakes. Crabbing is fun, and all too often, very rewarding.
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