The Beaufort and Fripp Island waterways are heavily populated with the Atlantic Blue Crab. These are some of the tastiest crabs you'll find, 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).

How to Catch Crabs
Using a crab trap is the easiest method of catching crabs. The great thing about the various kinds of crab traps is that they work well with little effort and expense. You can purchase crab traps at tackle shops and some hardware stores for 8 to 12 dollars, depending on the size and type. Grayco hardware in Beaufort carries a nice selection of crab traps. Most traps have one feature in common; when they are in the water on the bottom, they collapse so that the sides are open to allow the crabs to enter...and leave.

Crab net rings and the different shaped collapsible traps all operate in this way. When the crabber pulls on the cord, the sides are pulled up and if the crabs are eating the bait, they will be trapped inside.

Chicken necks are the best bait for crab traps. Necks are inexpensive and easy to find in the meat department of most grocery stores. You may use fish parts for bait, but the bone in a chicken neck allows for secure attachment to the trap, and it holds up longer against the ripping and tearing as the crab feeds. Tie the bait to middle of the bottom part of the trap with wire or heavy cord. Lower the trap in the water with enough cord or rope so that it sits on the bottom. Then tie the other end of the cord to the pier.

Some crabbers set their crab traps early in the morning and then also set a trotline as well. Just about the time they finish checking one, the other is ready to be tended.

Once netted, just dump the crab into a bucket or cooler, 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. Also, Be very careful handling the crab. The claws are it's main defense and they are definitely experts 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!

Where and When To Go
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. We typically frequent Waddles Landing at the southern end of the island.

How To Cook Crabs
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 well, 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 ). If you just can't stomach putting live crabs into boiling water, another trick is to put the live crabs on ice. After a few minutes on ice, the crabs essentially go to sleep. You can then easily handle them without fear of their claws. Then you can place them right into the boiling water without any resistance on their part.

How To Prepare & Eat
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!!

Crabbing Regulations
Visit the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources site for complete details regarding non-commercial crabbing: SC Saltwater Fishing Regulations.