'2024 Long Island is known for its abundant blue claw crabs-Crabs Are In!!

Long Island is known for its abundant blue claw crabs, making it a popular spot for crabbing enthusiasts. If you're looking to try your hand at catching and cooking these delicious crustaceans, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of crabbing on Long Island and share some tips on how to cook your catch.

Where to Crab

Blue claw crabs can be found in various locations around Long Island, including our Local docks, creeks, and marshes. Popular spots for crabbing include Jones Beach State Park, and Captree State Park. Make sure to check local regulations and obtain the necessary permits before you start crabbing.

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New York State has thousands of miles of shoreline that provide abundant crabbing

opportunities (including the Hudson River). Catching crabs can be accomplished by using baited crab pots that are set and checked frequently. Be sure to review the Crab Pot Regulations (link leaves DEC's website) before setting your crab pots. Another method of crabbing is to simply use a baited hand line to lure crabs to you and a dip net to capture the crabs. Please clear your lines and dispose of them properly at the end of your trip to prevent unnecessary pollution in our waterways.

How to Catch Blue claw Crabs

One of the most common methods for catching blue claw crabs is using a crab trap or pot baited with fish heads, chicken necks, or other bait (like bunker or mackerel ). Simply drop the trap into the water and wait for the crabs to crawl in. Another popular method is using a hand line with a baited net or scoop to catch crabs directly.

Handling and Cooking Blue claw Crabs

Once you've caught your blue claw crabs, it's important to handle them carefully to avoid getting pinched. To cook the crabs, start by boiling a large pot of water with salt and seasoning. Drop the live crabs into the boiling water and cook for about 10-12 minutes until they turn bright red. Check-out Rons Receipts for some great crab dishes!! 

After cooking, let the crabs cool down before cleaning and cracking them open to access the delicious meat inside. Blue claw crab meat can be used in a variety of dishes, from crab cakes to crab salad.

Remember to always follow local regulations and guidelines when crabbing on Long Island, and be sure to dispose of any unused bait and crab shells properly. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to enjoying fresh blueclaw crabs caught right off the shores of Long Island.

Take care of you and your catch.
With the hot humid weather of summer upon us its important to take care of yourself as well as your catch. Be sure to bring plenty of water with you to stay hydrated, use sun screen, and to wear proper clothing: hat and sunglasses. If you intend on harvesting your catch bring a cooler with plenty of ice to keep your fish out of the sun and keep cold. Its also a good idea to bleed your fish, this will also help preserve your catch and make for a better eating experience. Crabs while hardy, should be kept in a bucket without water out of the sun and covered with a wet (saltwater) rag. While fishing or crabbing bait should also be kept out of the sun and either covered with a wet rag or in a cooler with ice.