Crabbing Heats Up on the Chesapeake ~ 06/25/10

Usually at this time of the week I am compiling and arranging the information we receive here at Eastern Marine for our fishing report. This week we are going to switch it up a little bit and the conversation this week is going to be about crabs. Most of the buzz around the shop for the past two weeks has been crab oriented. Wether it be what method to use in harvesting, new rules and regulations, or what location would put you on the crab, all within earshot paid credence to the information being divulged by fellow crabbers. Getting some insider crabbing information at the start of the season can be invaluable to even the most battle weary veteran.

A solid bite has been present on the Tred Avon out of Oxford Maryland for about three weeks now. Good bushel to bushel and a half reports have been common and the crab quality has been good. Memorial day weekend Eastern Marine employees reported trot lining a bushel in an hour. Brothers Alex and Gil Kirk crabbed with Matthew and John Long on the Tred and harvested two bushels in just under four hours, using trotline. The Easton and Oxford area locations are typically where the Atlantic Blue Crab pokes its head first, this makes it especially attractive to experienced trotliners and drop potters alike.

Just this morning I received excellent news from the Wye River, which lies just south of Grasonville Maryland. Multiple patrons called or stopped in, all wanting to be the bearer of the good news. Duke Spellman crabbed the Wye Thursday the 24th and said the crabs were on average 7-8 inches. Spellman caught 2 bushels and claimed 48 crabs made a bushel. Duke claimed half of each of his bushels were comprised of pounders (crabs measuring 8 plus inches and bordering on or just over a pound in weight.

The Chester River which many claim to be the jewel of the Eastern Shore Rivers for crabbing has also chimed in with it’s share of positive information. James Manley took a trip down to Southeast Creek on the Chester and although he only managed 15 crabs, all were in the 8-inch range. James said “with crabs that big 15 was more than enough for a meal”. Well it won’t be long now before the Sassafras, Bohemia, and Elk Rivers start to kick into gear and we wont have to travel as far to get that sweet taste of success. Good luck this weekend to all who participate and don’t forget keep your trotline tight and don’t cheap date the bait!
Check out all our crabbing gear online at: EASTERN MARINE CRABBING