New to the forum and new to crabbing

[HypeShipe]

Hi all, all around newbie here. I have a 17.5' Bass Tracker and just rigged up about 600' of trotline to get into crabbing this summer. I used chicken necks at the mouth of the Severn in about 15' of water this Saturday and didn't see a single crab. I'm hoping to get some incite into what I'm doing right/wrong here. I know its still early and the water temps are a little low still. Any incite into water depths I should be in, locations, etc. would be greatly appreciated. My rig consists of 10lbs mushroom anchors and bullet bouys on 3 strand nylon, 4' sections of galvanized chain, and 7" bungee snoods every 6' on 3/16" line.

[slashmaster]

Welcome to crabbing and to the forum. Don't feel bad, I went Sat in the Choptank and only caught 1 crab. Sounds like your setup is right ( not sure if your bouys are big enough to be legal ) but the main problem is its so early. I was in 8' and water temp was 63* in the creek I was in. I know they are catching them in the Honga River and in Slaughter Creek which is south of both of us. So just hang in there and it will pick up as it gets warmer.

[HypeShipe]

I just saw that about the floats (thanks for comfirming). I'll get set up with the correct ones before the next run. Anyone think I'm wasting my time and should wait for warmer temps, or just to keep at it because we are getting close enough?

[27 sailfish]

Most years - Memorial day is considered the kick off for crabbing in the Annapolis area. Even then - often slow. This year might be different due to waters warming faster then normal.

It gets good around mid June and continues until late September , even early October.

The Severn can be good - it often pays to first set your line so it goes on a slight angle from say 5 feet out to about 12 feet or so.

The Severn drops off quickly in many areas so it's easy to cover various depths. If you notice one depth producing - it pays to move line so more baits are in that depth.

[davecobb319]

This early in the year traps will be the way to go. The water temp at the surface is warmer than the bottom so the crabs tend to drop off your line. I crab the severn and the best day I put in my log book last year was June 14th. I caught a bushel on 1200 snood with necks in 3 hours. The will be here earlier than that. I'd say in another week or two. Good luck!

[night nurse]

Stat off with the traps to see whats around then pull out the trot line and get on them.

Good Luck'

TED

[HypeShipe]

My mouth is watering...

[Crabbermanjl]

Water is still to cold, give it another week or so, by may 10th same spot should produce... Good Luck!

Hi all, all around newbie here. I have a 17.5' Bass Tracker and just rigged up about 600' of trotline to get into crabbing this summer. I used chicken necks at the mouth of the Severn in about 15' of water this Saturday and didn't see a single crab. I'm hoping to get some incite into what I'm doing right/wrong here. I know its still early and the water temps are a little low still. Any incite into water depths I should be in, locations, etc. would be greatly appreciated. My rig consists of 10lbs mushroom anchors and bullet bouys on 3 strand nylon, 4' sections of galvanized chain, and 7" bungee snoods every 6' on 3/16" line.