The Beaufort waterways are heavily populated with the Atlantic Blue Crab. These are some of the tastiest crabs out there, and when cooked fresh, well, your taste buds will be screaming for more. Fortunately, crabs are very easy to catch and require very inexpensive gear. Crabbing is an activity the entire family can participate in, and can be a lot of fun. Unlike fishing, crabs are always "biting", (or shall we say clawing ).
Stuff Ya Gonna Need
All you need to crab is a piece of string, most people use either nylon or cotton, as the crab really doesn't care much. A weight (an old spark plug could even work), a long handle net, a cheap one will do just fine, your bait, (chicken necks work the best), and a bucket to put all the crabs you catch. And... most important... your good luck fishin' hat and your best friend!
What to do
Take the string and tie the weight to one end. Then take your bait, (again a chicken neck... because they are tough, and the crabs don't eat it quickly), and tie it next to the weight. Nothing fancy, just wrap the string around the bait tightly and tie a knot around it. Tie a stick to the other end and you are ready.
Where and When!!
The best places to go are boat landings, little tidal creeks, or really anywhere there is an open space around salt water. Piers and docks are fine too. You don't need a boat, just stand on the bank. The best times are near low tide, or what the crabbers call ebb tide, day or night. The crabs are close to the shoreline and actively feeding. Just throw out your bait and wait until you feel a little tug or pulling on the string.
Then... slowly pull the bait in, in a steady motion, the crab will hang on until it is almost on shore. When you can begin see it, scoop the crab up into the net. The best way to net a crab is to bring the net in from behind the crab. He can't see it coming that way. It may take a few lost crabs to get the hang of it. Once netted, just dump the crab into the bucket, and get ready for the next one. Pretty soon... you've got a bucket of crabs. If you are only going to be out a few hours, no water is required in the bucket.
Time to Cook em up!
To cook, you need a big pot. Fill it about 1/2 to 3/4 full of water. Bring to a full boil. You can season the water with whatever you like, crab boil season works good, or just some lemon pepper is fine. After the water boils, just place the crabs into the pot, now here's the bad part. They are still alive, but rest assured, they feel no pain. Leave them in the pot until they turn red. That's it. They are now done. ( It does not take long, so don't over cook )
Be verycareful handling the crab. The claws are it's main defense and he definitely is an expert at using them. A long pair of pliers or a barbecue or salad tongs work the safest. Also be careful of the spines on the sides of it's shell, they are pin sharp. They can be very painful!
Time to Eat em up!!
Once the crab turns red, take it out and put it on a large plate. Here's the messy part, getting to the meat. This is definitely an outside or big sink job. Break the shell in half, then separate the top shell. The meat will be white and is found towards the sides, near the legs. Get the meat out and put in a bowl or plate, being careful not to get any of the black or gray stuff mixed in with the white meat. The black stuff is the lung, and can not be safely eaten. Then break open the claws, and get all the meat within, everything in the claw is good. Once the meat is out, the rest will come natural... Enjoy... it will definitely be worth all that mess!!
This is just one of the many joys of Lowcountry living in Beaufort South Carolina. If you have any questions just let me know!
It would be my honor to assist you and your family with your Beaufort SC Real Estate needs!
Really good blog. You're title caught my attention. I had a hard day and when I saw it I thought: Ok I'm not the only one. It made me feel better I love crabs and made me think of summer. So thanks.
Cherimie, this post's making my mouth water! I used to think that was the only way to catch them but as far as chowing down you forgot the newspaper covering the table with all the juices (beer included) flowing and free for all consumption. Thanks for not adding a "crab-cake recipe".
Was wondering if Rich at AR sensed out your crab piece. Send him an email direct. He'll love it. Liked the photo in your profile. Makes me think of Pat Conroy novels and beach music. Also wanted to thank you for taking your time to comment on our recent piece about the odds of selling a home. This and that are most appreciated.
Heather- You haven't truly lived until you have been chased by a crab:)
Maria-I had a tough day to...so I completely understand..I think that is where the title really came from:)
Joe-Come on down!!!!
Kevin-You are absolutely right!! I didn't mention the beer and lowcountry table cloth:)....can't give all my secrets away..then everyone would rush on down to Beaufort and my little bitty town wouldn't be so little bitty anymore! No crab cakes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gary- Pat Conroy is one of my favorite authors...I have several books signed by he and his wife!
Cherimie.... I agree with Maria.... the title caught my eye. Besides, it's only 11 am and you are making me hungry and ready for summer and the shore. Very good post on catching them and cooking them.
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