Running crab lines in VA

[OTL]

From reading the posts it sounds like a lot of ya'll are up in MD. Does anybody run snoods or straight lines down in VA? Particularly in the Gwynns Island area? I would like to give it a try but have never seen it done down this way.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,

[Tom Powers]

If you are doing it recreationally you are limited to 300 feet and have to buy a $10 license.

[OTL]

Thanks. I am aware of the regulations. I was just wondering if anybody actually runs lines. All I see are pots. I guess I will have to get a license, make up a line and give it try. A 300 foot line is probably not worth it though.

[POLECAT]

Many years ago in Maryland, recreational crabbers were limited to a 300' trot line.

Most cheated on the length.

A 300' line makes for a good experiment.

It's best to move it frequently to a new area to maximize your catch.

I used to drag mine in a straight line to a new location when the area was crabbed out.

[WRClarke]

I run a line in Chincoteague Bay but since I'm not coordinated enough to run the boat and work the line at the same time I set up in waist deep water. Place the line, go back to the dock (or beach) and drink a beer slowly. Work the line while wading with two floating baskets tied to my waist. Run the line through one hand, scoop with the net with the other hand and drop them in the basket. Hard crabs in one, soft crabs (from the riders) in the other. When you get to the end of the line walk a big wide circle working the net through the grass back to the other end. By the time you get back to the other end, the line is ready to work again. Sort of a variation of flushing and scooping with 75 chicken necks around to keep them interested. I modified the line so that the end lines, floats and sash weights detach and the line is clipped in the middle so it comes apart into two pieces. When I'm done crabbing i put the ground tackle in a bucket, put each baited half line in a big ziplock in the freezer and it's ready to go next time. Works like a charm.

[Fat Jimmy]

I run a line in Chincoteague Bay but since I'm not coordinated enough to run the boat and work the line at the same time I set up in waist deep water. Place the line, go back to the dock (or beach) and drink a beer slowly. Work the line while wading with two floating baskets tied to my waist. Run the line through one hand, scoop with the net with the other hand and drop them in the basket. Hard crabs in one, soft crabs (from the riders) in the other. When you get to the end of the line walk a big wide circle working the net through the grass back to the other end. By the time you get back to the other end, the line is ready to work again. Sort of a variation of flushing and scooping with 75 chicken necks around to keep them interested. I modified the line so that the end lines, floats and sash weights detach and the line is clipped in the middle so it comes apart into two pieces. When I'm done crabbing i put the ground tackle in a bucket, put each baited half line in a big ziplock in the freezer and it's ready to go next time. Works like a charm.

I would love just once to "run" a line just like you described. That sounds like my kind of old school get wet, muddy, half drunk, stinky and just having a ball in the muck kind of fun! :yes:

[capt brad]

Jamie want to go to chinco? Me and my BIL used to neck off the causeway and get a basket in an hour or so. Now I understand you can't even park there. We used to drag a clam rake with a basket in an innertube and get a bushel of them. Then we'd stop at McCready's and get a softie sandwich and head back to Shad Landing for the night.

I miss them days

[Butthead]

Jamie...thats one of the ways we used to do it as kids down in St Mary's. Its easy enough to duplicate...lets plan a day down there this year...its a helluva good time...we'll drag the two knuckleheads with us, and my almost teenager knucklehead...and make a day of it. The boys will have a blast splashing in the water, and chasing crabs in the clear shallow water, Pam will bake herself, and you and I as usual, will do all the work....but thats ok, it just means we'll have to refresh ourselves with something cold and wet! :chugbeer:

[Fat Jimmy]

Hell yes, i'd be up for a trip down there. I got a feeling between the fishing, crabbing, clamming and "refreshing", we'd all have a helluva good time. Aren't there cabins down there somewhere that you can rent out? Cherrystone I think it is. I'm gonna start some research and see what I can find out.

[Burchbeer]

I did the same up in Pasadena 45 years ago off my grand parents shore.

TL in one hand and net in the other and make shift container (They varied) tied to my waste.

So much fun!

[screwyardwork]

When i first remember crabbing about 1959 that is how my dad did it . I still trot line to this day. My kids and my grand kids go with me. Hopefully there will be some crabs for thiers.

[TerpHeels]

I ran a 300 or so footer last yr in chinco bay just above 175 (road into chinco) off Captains Cove. We made 3 runs through the line b4 it was picked bare. Place is loaded w/crabs, no size though, 5.5 is a biggun.

[WRClarke]

I work the same area but near the Chincoteague shore. You're right about the small size but this past October and November the size went off the charts. Lots of large crabs right up to 11/21. Then the numbers fell so fast it wasn't worth crabbing. Spring's almost here.