How to Catch Softshells

[Rtifs]

I've never been a crabber. I think digging meat out of blue crabs is more work than it’s worth. However, I do have a soft spot for softshell crabs (pun intended). I'd love to learn how to catch them, but I doubt they'll show up in crab traps. Can anyone give me a "catching softshells 101" lesson?

[POLECAT]

Take a 6' length of string. Tie a $5.00 bill to it. Throw it over the counter of your local seafood store and wait until you feel movement on the string. Pull the string back slowly and carefully. Remove soft crab. Repeat as often as you like.

Better yet..... Contact Cap't. Dale and he can fix you up with some of the Chesapeake's finest! Success guaranteed.

[crabby and son]

You need to go to marshy grassy shallows during the sluff. Go through the grass with a roller net and you will get softies. Mostly males as the females are held by the males for a few days while soft............Gary

[Water_boy]

I netted two off the pilings last night when I was coming back into the marina. One was sort of leathery but the other one was perfect.

[mdbghunter987]

Anyone have a picture of a "roller net"?

[crabby and son]

Anyone have a picture of a "roller net"?

Tried to find a picture but it's just a net with a roller on the back side of the net rim that rolls along the bottom. Call Chuck. He wil get you one. http://chesapeakecrabbingsupplies.co...etsGloves.aspx ........Gary

[samie]

I think Tochermans on Eastern Avenue down in the city still sells them.

[Turd Ferguson]

Clarks sporting good has a few, saw them about a week ago


Someone correct me if Im wrong, but my understanding is that soft shells don't stay soft for long....like a couple hours ... which is why they are difficult to catch. I think they are often caught as peelers, then off the the shedding tanks they go.

[crabby and son]

Clarks sporting good has a few, saw them about a week ago


Someone correct me if Im wrong, but my understanding is that soft shells don't stay soft for long....like a couple hours ... which is why they are difficult to catch. I think they are often caught as peelers, then off the the shedding tanks they go.

You are correct. They go from soft to a paper shell in a few hours...........Gary

[Burchbeer]

Easton Hardware.

I love wading for softcrabs!