Water Temps

[slashmaster]

What is the minimum water temp that crabs will start to get active? I was in the Choptank above the Cambridge bridge and the main river was at 59* and Bolling Brollk Creek was at 60*. Just wondering when they will start moving?

[Himself]

Mike Oesterling states that the first sheddings are more water temperature controlled than by lunar phase. Once water temperatures are above about 59 °F (15 °C) crabs of all sizes begin to molt. Crabs begin shedding in April, generally in the shallower creeks and marshes, where sunny days can significantly elevate the shallow water temperature. These are also generally smaller-sized animals. The "first run" that people talk about is really the "doubler run" of mating females. There have been some years when this "run" did correspond to the May full moon, but over the past 8 to 10 years the "first run" in the lower York River and Mobjack Bay has occurred around May 15-19, regardless of moon phase. Additionally, this "run" occurs at different times in different sections of the Bay, again suggesting a water temperature impact.

[mocoducks]

62-64 has always been my magic numbers to find early

[night nurse]

60-62 for me in the EB

Ted

[Crabbermanjl]

68 degress back up here

[Burchbeer]

They have started. We just have not gotten out. Ida Mae says he got 2 baskets down south.

[Crabbermanjl]

You want to wait at least another week or so....

[slashmaster]

I know they are catching them in the Honga River, and I've also gotten reports of good catches in Slaughter Creek. But thats an hour drive or more for me and lots of wear and tear on truck and trailer. Now we have the 2" of rain and I'm sure thats not gonna help, along with a week of below average temps. This could set us back a couple of weeks :(