Is Crabbing in Maryland Chesapeake Bay Down this Year for You? Vote in the Poll

[Cabyn Fever]

With the majority of people saying that crabbing is worse this year it makes me wonder if the winter dredge survey numbers were embellished a little in order to try to help along the state trying to get the fishery certified "sustainable".

Last year for the month of June we caught 936 crabs, this June was only 404 (I keep a spreadsheet). We are crabbing the same areas we have for the last 40 or more years along with trying some new ones.

Just sayin.......

Chuck

[goose22]

Six bushels+++ in two outings.

I'm not complaining, nor am I bragging. Just fact!

Lots of others have had the same or better results, but they're not talking. No need to.

If you're not getting them you are either doing something wrong or not doing something right. Simple as that!

The crabs are cooperating.

AMEN!!!!

[Butthead]

I believe the dredge survey said that adult crabs that wintered in MD waters was down, but that juvenile crabs were through the roof...If I am right, then that would make sense. EVERYONE is complaining of ankle biters everywhere....should be a good fall if the weather holds up.

But yes...for the most part...crabbbing has sucked this year

[mikehn]

Quantity of keepers has been about the same this year as last year. But the quality of those keepers are noticeably better. Throwbacks are like 5 to 1.

[Johnfishes]

My opinion is that this year the crabs are at least two weeks ahead of schedule. Late April and early May were off the hook. Mid May to late June was about average. The last two weeks overall numbers are down with the female catch increasing each day. Seems more like late July to early August prior to the migratory crabs moving in. Every season has a noticeable lull if you will, most of the crabs that overwinter in the rivers have been caught and the migratory slug that shows up late July early August hasnt hit yet. Also higher salinity levels in the area are keeping the male crabs up rivers towards the lower salinity levels. Overall I would say this years catch is roughly the same as last years .

[Brandon]

Having talked with a bunch of crabbers, I think I could have asked a better question because it seems some areas are doing great, some not so. Some started off hot and cooled and some cooled and are hot. Next time I'll ask a little better question. If you chime in maybe mention the general area where you are crabbing.

[crabby and son]

I crabbed Crisfield this week and got a TON of 1-3" crabs. We ended up with 1/2 bushel of 5-6" crabs in 3 hours.............Gary

[richardhenshaw]

Crabbing was fantastic on the lower Potomac until 2 wks ago. Still catching lots but they too small to keep.

[Aquasport]

Definitely lower numbers of keepers on the Magothy this year. Just spent 4 hours this morning near Gibson Island and came home with 7 keepers. There were a ton of small crabs, so the future looks good (hopefully).

[tiderunner3150]

Its been getting a little better for me every trip, and Im not really that good at it. Mixed size keepers but some are really nice and full. Tons of small ones with the occasional big female. I would say september will be really good.

May your baskets always be full

Tim