BEST WAY TO TRANSPORT CRABS?

[HARD SHELL HEAVEN]

IM IN THE SAME BOAT AS JAMIE,AFTER A LONG DAY OF CRABBING I HAVE A LONG DRIVE HOME. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TRANSPORT THE CRABS ON A HOT DAY WITHOUT LOSING TOO MANY?

[Choptank Rob]

Not sure how far you will be driving but my best success for low mortality has always been to put a half bag of ice in the middle of the basket and then put the other half on top of the lid and cover with a wet towel. They should do just fine.

[Fat Jimmy]

We bring a 150 quart cooler with us and I keep frozen 2 liter soda bottle, or plastic oj jugs of water in the bottom. Transfer the crabs from the basket into the cooler for the ride home and they are good to go. Actually paying money for frozen water is a pet peeve of mine, so i've always got an arsenal of these jugs in my freezer! I can't remember losing a crab last year. Leave the drain plug open on the cooler and don't close the lid all the way. Sam's club has the coolers for around 50 bucks usually. FJ

[firefighter1962]

i would do the same ice and a wet towel , if you have a really long way to go try a cooler and pack the jimmies in layers with ice in between each layer of crabs . good luck

[done workin]

I normally soak a towel or two lay them across the tope layer and throw 1" or 2" of ice on top of the towel. I keep them the same way when I get home and they'll keep for a few hours. If you can avoid packed bushels, I think it helps. Only fill the basket s 3/4 full and use an additional basket or two. Keep 'em in the shade on the ride, if possible.

[Swamp]

I poke holes in a bag of ice and just throw it on top of a covered bushel basket. The cold water drips down through the crabs and as long as you're not just sitting, the breeze cools the crabs. It works fine. If it's a long drive, stop at a liquor store for more beer (and ice) when the ice melts.

I've (finally) learned, when it comes to most things, including crabbing, simple is better.

[fixit]

The best way to transport crabs is in the back of MY truck :)[grin]... And some ice on top the baskets... KISS, Keep It Stupid Simple.................

[Steve F]

I have to agree with fat Jimmy, thats the way I transport my crabs at the end of the day and I even keep them in the cooler overnight at times and I don't lose any crabs. I also don't like buying ice I get mine at my local fire co.

[herefishyfishy]

I put my crabs in a 5 gallon bucket with water in the bottom. [grin]

[Elkcrabber]

I have good luck with this i just take a very wet towl and put it on top of the busel basket and put them in the back of the truck. Before i go home though i soak them in the water for a few seconds and they stay alive for our 3 hour ride home