Tangier Sound Report

[Sandshark]

After the squall moved through laid 4 lines south of BA and west of Jones Creek. Had Bill, Robert as crew and Robert was a northern newbie - had never eaten crabs much less caught them. Found good bottom 6-8 feet and had all lines laid and ready as the sun came up. left the water at noon with 5 1/2 bushels #1 to jumbo crabs. Even though I have a LCC I usually do not expect this kind of quantity and quality and can only say this day's catch was awesome and the quality of crabs the best I have seen in several years. I have my snoods 4 feet apart and we had runs where every snood had a huge crab on it and netting was fast and furious. It was really fun to watch young Robert - for him it was a treasure hunt. Crabs were flying all over the deck at times and Bill was doing some kind of strange deck dance in his flip flops - I assume to attract more crabs. Finished the day with a good sale of crabs to a local house in OC and a bushel of steamed on my table with some adult libations. Gave 1/2 bushel to my neighbors who raved about the size and weight of these crabs. For me it was the motherlode. I have read posts that say the crabs are going south and if Sunday was any way to gauge I would have to agree. Will be heading back to that area again this weekend and hoping they are still there. By the way - caught and released almost an equal number of females. More than I have seen anywhere anytime.

[Striper In]

Wow... What a day, glad your crew had fun..The new guy will never be able to top that (mother)load....
Wanna Fedex a few up my way???? Only need a good dozen!!!

After the squall moved through laid 4 lines south of BA and west of Jones Creek. Had Bill, Robert as crew and Robert was a northern newbie - had never eaten crabs much less caught them. Found good bottom 6-8 feet and had all lines laid and ready as the sun came up. left the water at noon with 5 1/2 bushels #1 to jumbo crabs. Even though I have a LCC I usually do not expect this kind of quantity and quality and can only say this day's catch was awesome and the quality of crabs the best I have seen in several years. I have my snoods 4 feet apart and we had runs where every snood had a huge crab on it and netting was fast and furious. It was really fun to watch young Robert - for him it was a treasure hunt. Crabs were flying all over the deck at times and Bill was doing some kind of strange deck dance in his flip flops - I assume to attract more crabs. Finished the day with a good sale of crabs to a local house in OC and a bushel of steamed on my table with some adult libations. Gave 1/2 bushel to my neighbors who raved about the size and weight of these crabs. For me it was the motherlode. I have read posts that say the crabs are going south and if Sunday was any way to gauge I would have to agree. Will be heading back to that area again this weekend and hoping they are still there. By the way - caught and released almost an equal number of females. More than I have seen anywhere anytime.