Article A crabbing charter is a fun vacation activity that is suitable for all ages of the family and odds are you will be rewarded with one of the Chesapeake Bay's most delicious seafood delicacies.
A basic commercial or crabbing charter trotline is several hundred feet long, with anchors and buoys on either end. Baits are spaced at intervals along the line which attract crabs. The captain maneuvers the boat along the line, while members of the charter use a dip net to scoop up crabs that hang on to the baits.
A simple anchor-float system is attached to each end of the trotline. This may include a large 3 way swivel, a buoy or jug with adjustable line, a line to the anchor and some provision to connect the trotline. A main anchor holds the trotline in position while the other end is positioned down current and anchored by a lighter weight which allows the rig some movement.
The line itself can vary in diameter or length. Baits are tied to the line or captains may use small lengths of automotive fuel line or clear plastic hose, then slide a loop of line thru the hose. The bait is then placed in the loop and the line is pulled tight. This holds the bait on the line but eliminates knots and allows for fast bait changes.
Many baits are used and anything that attracts crabs and is durable is a candidate for bait during your crabbing charter. Most trotliners use baits such as brined eel, bull lips, chicken parts, pork or any tough fish. The entire line may be pre-baited and brined, dropped in a bait freezer, or rigged the night before and kept iced. The captain will bring extra bait and replace baits as needed during the trip.
Fishing a trotline is fairly simple, even for beginners. Everyone will miss a crab with the net, but most crabs will return to the bait and can be caught on the next pass. Most trotline crabbers prefer to get on the water early and finish before mid-day. Crabs are more active in the morning and less likely to spook when the trotline is moved. As the sun rises, the light enters deeper in the water, making crabs quick to swim away when the line reaches the surface. Some wind during the day will actually help as it makes the water cloudy, allowing crabbers to catch blue crabs longer.
Teamwork is important while crabbing with a trotline. The captain or a guest steers the boat, while another helper retrieves the line and dips the crabs. If several people are present, the job gets easier as there is always a bait to change, crabs to cull or a buoy to recover.
After a day of crabbing, you might want to read about some great Chesapeake Bay crab recipes .
Catching crabs with a trotline often begins at sunup.
The roller guides the line along the boat.
Crabs that cling to the trotline are scooped up line using a wire or mesh crab net.
A male or "Jimmy" blue crab.
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