Winter Crabbing with Kids

We live in California and the most abundant crab around here is the Dungeness crab. Crabbing is popular along the Bay and up and down the Coast. While it may sound simple enough to go out and catch dinner, it’s important to understand local laws and regulations as they can change from year to year. 

 

Before you venture out, make sure you read up on your local licensing requirements and understand the rules and regulations governing crabbing.  In California, recreational crabbing season runs from November through about July.  There are typically daily bag requirements as well as minimum size limits for the crabs you can catch and keep.

 

We kick off the season in early November and enjoy it throughout the winter months.  Seasons and regulations vary by state and can change from year to year.  Recreating responsibly should always be top of mind so that we can all continue to enjoy these wild and gorgeous places.

 

More regarding licensing requirements can be found at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife home page. 

 

Although my husband is the real subject matter expert, I managed to pick his brain to bring you some of the basics and methods we use when crabbing.  Here are some basic supplies that you’ll need to get started crabbing:

• gloves
• ice chest
• traps
• bait
• bait holder
• crab measuring device
• bait ties
• crabbing license

How to catch crabs with a snare

There are several ways to prepare for the big catch. We enjoy crabbing right from shore with snares and a fishing rod.  It’s a simple method that requires the least amount of equipment.  To crab right from the shoreline all you need is a fishing rod and a snare to attach to the end.

A snare is a trap that tangles up the crab. It is a small bait box with loops of monofilament attached to it. Fill the snare with bait and toss it as far as possible from shore.  Once you catch the crab it’s important to follow local regulations pertaining to the size of the crab and whether it’s large enough to keep. Measure the crab and if it does not meet size requirements release them back into the ocean.

My son helped this little guy right back into the ocean.  

Now let’s talk crab pots.  How do they work?  Crab pots are larger and if you’re lucky, you can catch a lot more crab in one catch. Crab are lured into crab pots with bait. They walk directly into the large cages through openings that they can enter and once inside they cannot escape. There are several ways to tie the bait to the inside of cages and lots of different things you can use as crab bait.

 

Our go-to crab bait is usually squid, anchovies, and chicken. Once you open the cage it’s important to measure all your crab and only keep those that meet the size requirement.  We carry a measuring tool that we use to determine which ones we can keep and the kids release the ones that are too small back into the ocean. 

 

Don’t get pinched! Safety always comes first when handling crab – both your safety and the safety of the crab. Crab handling is important and using caution can spare you from a pretty painful pinch.  Once you have a good grip on the center of the crab, you can pick the crab up without getting pinched. Hold them firmly, but not so hard it damages the shell. Wearing gloves is the safest option. Here my husband helped secure the crab for this photo very carefully.  He was pretty excited about his catch! 

 

Benefits of crabbing

Crabbing requires patience, persistence, and has a meditative effect on kids and adults alike.  Just like fishing, crabbing is great for our mental health because you’re spending time outside, surrounded by nature, water, and sand. We love exposing our kids to outdoor activities that reduce stress and anxiety. We treasure these moments away from all the noise and crabbing together is a great way to relax as a family. It’s also a great way for kids to know, respect, and appreciate where their food comes from. It connects them to our planet and makes them want to protect it for themselves and the animals that share it with us. 

Sometimes a day trip is all you need to really enjoy the relaxing benefits of crabbing. While it may seem like a lot of work (as is almost any outdoor adventure with kids), a day trip to our favorite crabbing spot is always worth it. When a long camping trip isn’t possible for us, we make the most of day trips, so we can still enjoy our favorite activities. Sometimes we’ll wake up at 6 am, pack a lunch, make breakfast burritos for the road, and head to the beach. We arrive early and enjoy an entire day of crabbing and playing at the beach. 

A winter tradition for the entire family

There are so many benefits in finding activities that the entire family can enjoy.  Crabbing has become a tradition for our family and we look forward to crab season every winter.  It means more beach adventure in the cold months when swimming and surfing aren’t an option. It’s also a healthy way for all of us to get outside, get some fresh air and Vitamin D (and Vitamin Sea). Just spending time near the water is often the cure for those winter blues. 

 

And the opportunities for play for the kids are endless near the beach. Not everyone has to participate in the crabbing, there’s always plenty of other things to do. Digging sand holes, running through sand dunes, and simply enjoying our time together as a family.  It is a great winter activity that will leave your family with countless memories for years to come. 

 

I hope to see you out on the coast! 

 

Araceli is a wife and momma to three wild and adventurous littles. She believes that nature and free play are truly the foundation of a beautiful childhood. Araceli and her husband have made it a priority to raise their children with a strong bond to the great outdoors. Araceli is a working mom with an extensive career in Project Management. She’s creative, crafty, and loves collecting houseplants. As a family, they love exploring wild places and she loves documenting their adventures.

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