moon and crabs ?

[b dog]

what"s the moon got to do with crabs?have heard it said it effects them shedding,full moon and such. what's your belief?

[Burchbeer]

b dog,
The full moon period each month from May-Oct (+/-) is primarily the time that crabs shed. I am sure they shed all month but during the full moon cycle is when I have noticed when shedding is most predominant.
When my time permits, the full moon period is when I target the grass beds in shallow water during low tide. Soft crabbing is a lot of fun. Wading through the seaweed beds with a softcrab net and scooping them up is only something you can appreciate opnce having experienced it.
One year while on strike from the phone company back in the 80's I caught dozens of softies in Crab Alley Creek wading with a net over a 2 day period.
I mean like 5 doz, easy.

I dont know if this answers your question, but it is MHO based on my fond memories. Of which, I hope to gain more.

DB

[elkcrabber1]

some people say the moon has alot to do with the shedding of crabs but when i crabbed everyday in the summer my catch was not that much different from other days when the moon was not full. i can not tell that much difference

[Swamp]

I don't crab that much, but I have found the heaviest crabs the week leading up to the full moon. Conversely, just after a full moon, the crabs seem clean and light.

[Antman40]

b dog,
The full moon period each month from May-Oct (+/-) is primarily the time that crabs shed. I am sure they shed all month but during the full moon cycle is when I have noticed when shedding is most predominant.
When my time permits, the full moon period is when I target the grass beds in shallow water during low tide. Soft crabbing is a lot of fun. Wading through the seaweed beds with a softcrab net and scooping them up is only something you can appreciate opnce having experienced it.

DB

First real shed is in June....and every full moon you can tell the difference in the "QUALITY" of crab........lotsa whites after the shed. NO, they don't ALL shed on a full moon... but many take advantage of the oportunity.....

Tony