Clamming and Crabbing

[Huck]

I do most of my camping at the beach - ocean or gulf. I like to surf fish, but that is more an excuse to be out in the sun and drink a couple of beers.

I'm heading back to the Outer Banks sometimes next month and thought I would try clamming and crabbing. Seems like it would be a nice way to spend a couple of hours and catch dinner at the same time. A clam rake and crab trap don't take up much room, so I think it would be a nice addition.

I've never clammed before and only caught crabs a couple of times when I lived at the beach for a few months. This was in a canal next to the house I was living in. My neighbors had a trap they let me use whenever I wanted.

So tell me about your clamming and crabbing experiences. What equipment do you recommend? Is there a good tool for measuring both clams and crabs? What do you use for crab bait? Do you use a net or a trap (crabs)? Do you use a rake with a basket built in?

Do you know any good spots to crab or clam on the Outer Banks? I'm thinking of spending about half my time at Ocracoke and then moving to either Frisco or Oregon Inlet.

[TomK]

Huck, my wife is from Tangier Island, VA. As you probably know, it's in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay. She comes from a long line of watermen. Her brothers use crab pots and dredge for oysters on a commercial basis, so probably can't answer your specific questions. I have accompanied her brothers crab potting many times and we always used menhaden (sp?) for bait, but any cheap fish would work. The commercial waterman can run a couple hundred crab pots. We would be on the water at 4 AM and work until late in the day. Rewards can be good or bad depending on the market, but there are always enough to feast on for the workers and their families. Blue crabs, especially from the Chesapeake Bay cannot be beat.

Before I was married, I was stationed in New Jersey, and would comb the beaches for clams. We'd find them on the beach half buried in the sand right at the shoreline. We wore a cup of sauce on a string around our neck, to dip the clams in before we ate them. Nothing as fancy as a rake, just our hands and a knife was used. I wonder if they still do that? Like you said, half the fun is being out there.

Good luck and keep us posted with your methods and results. I read your post and she's jealous! We are planning to hit VA next summer.

Tom

[mary and bob]

chicken leg on a string will catch crabs. Done all the time at Rocky Neck SP in CT

[Bobbie Mayer]

I can't comment on how to catch Eastern crab. But make sure you check the regulations for both crabbing and clamming and get any necessary licenses and what you want is in open season. (Especially if you might want to plan the trip around it.)

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Huck

Is there a good tool for measuring both clams and crabs?

Danielson Crab & Clam Gauge works well - you can pick them up or one simular at most sporting goods stores near a coast. A basic plastic ruler will also do the trick.

[Raz]

I've crabbed on Ocracoke. There is a road leading to the sound right behind the building at the ferry docks. A ranger recommended the spot. I don't believe you can drive it anymore without a beach permit but it's not a long walk. As I recall there is a 5" or bigger size limit. When you get your fishing license ask for the regulation sheet. It will be on there. Chicken neck or leg on a string and a crabbing net is all you need. The variety store will have both. Enjoy, Raz

[Huck]

Originally Posted by P. Raz

I've crabbed on Ocracoke. There is a road leading to the sound right behind the building at the ferry docks. A ranger recommended the spot. I don't believe you can drive it anymore without a beach permit but it's not a long walk. As I recall there is a 5" or bigger size limit. When you get your fishing license ask for the regulation sheet. It will be on there. Chicken neck or leg on a string and a crabbing net is all you need. The variety store will have both. Enjoy, Raz

I've already got the permit for driving on the beach. From what I have read, no license is needed for crabs or clams. I'm going to get a fishing license anyway so I can do some surf fishing.