crabs and rain

[billblack]

I was on the Bohemia last night with only 3 traps. In an hour I had a 1/2 dozen keepers. I'm going down again thursday after work with more traps.......there is a good potential for thunderstorms. I don't mind rain.

Will the crabs still bite if it's raining?

[crab_clam]

The crabs don't even know its raining.

[billblack]

Yeah, I know that......just wondering if the wind and waves that sometimes accompany a thunderstorm 'stir things up" down below and the crabs take a break from eating.

I'm going out anyway, I love summer thunderstorms, even on a boat.

[Burchbeer]

Watch the wind and lightning brother.

[crab_clam]

I actually like to go in the rain also.....the wind and chop effects you seeing the crab more then them caring. Good luck. I go right after hurricanes in the rain and call it x-crabbing. LOL

[crabby and son]

When it is raining, most of the crabs will try and get right under a boat to stay out of the rain. Great crabbing in the rain:thumbup::yes:..........Gary

[BowMovements]

JMO From experience I would o into deeper water. I think the fresh water run off sends'em looking for a little salinity.?.? Any opinoins?

[Big Liar]

JMO From experience I would o into deeper water. I think the fresh water run off sends'em looking for a little salinity.?.? Any opinoins?

From my experience, I've noticed that crabs do tend to slow down (biting) when it is raining. With rain gear and a T-Top, I don't let rain stop my crabbing. However, I've noticed that I don't catch as many during a shower. Right before and right after, the crabs seem to pick back up. I'm speaking just to trotline use only. Not sure if they drop off before reaching the surface or the change in b. presure causes it, but that is what I've noticed. I will still catch a few crabs while it is raining, but just not as many.

[BowMovements]

I agree. my input was directed after a rain not during, but good point. I to notice a good drop off in catch during rain, like you said on a trotline. If it's after a good soaking and the current starts to really rip they turn on like hot cakes.

[billblack]

I went last night. Hopped on my motorcycle after work and got to the boat around 5. Limited carrying space on the bike So I had made arrangements with my gf to meet me at the Marina with beer, ice, cooler and chicken thighs for bait. (I said thighs so it would be something she could easily pick up at any store...)
I hopped in the boat at around 5, got ten traps ready with line + floats and then motored over to the Bohemia vista marina to meet my GF who was supposed to be there at 6. I waited....and waited.......and sweated........and got really thirsty.......unitl finally at 7 she showed up (got lost) with ONE six pack, no ice , no cooler and a plate full of cooked hot wings.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!

Well, I didn't make a big deal about it and made the most of the night. And no, crabs don'e f!ing like hot wings.

I'm going out again Saturday.........alone.

[Burchbeer]

My best crabbing is on overcast/cloudy skies on calm waters.
I have crabbed plenty through rain but as others have mentioned I dont catch as many while it is raining. IMO.
In the fall of course being best.

DB

[Boatdog]

I have had some of my best days right vefore a major storm. When the barometric pressure drops, crabs and fish go into a feeding frenzy. The more drastic the drop, the better. This is jmho.

[gwag]

Bill black ,while I applaud your handling of the female problem, I question your judgment on boats in thunderstorms . I have seen grown men curled up in the fetal position laying in the bow shaking when caught in a bad on Coming in to Wachepreauge (sp) ,we were about ten minutes ahead of the last boat in ,we were scared. The guys in the last boat were seriously shook up with one guy that had to be helped up from the bow ,he was as pale as I have ever seen a living person.