Crab Snaring is more than just a way to catch crabs, it also gives you an opportunity to connect with the water and enjoy the beauty of your catch.
Crab snaring for the first time be very exciting, and it can also make you very nervous, like when you don’t know what to expect, or if you’ll even make a single catch that day, this happened to me during my very first crab snaring.
But when you fell the pull of the crab for the first time, your heart would start to race, because it is finally happening, and pulling in the first crab can feel like a huge accomplishment, this is exactly how I felt.
This is the same excitement I want you to feel, so in this post, I have put together a step by step guide to make your crab snaring experience both very fun and rewarding.
The 'How To" Of Crab Snaring
I remember my very first crab snaring like it was yesterday, I will never forget how exciting it was, and I felt after catching my first crab.
Over the years, I have learned a lot about crab snaring, and how to properly go about it, this is what I am going to share with you today.
Now let’s get to it.
1. Get the Right Gear
To get started with crab snaring, you need the right equipment.
You’ll need a crab snare, strong fishing rod, and some bait, squid or chicken works well.
I use a surf rod because it’s long enough to cast far and strong enough to handle a full snare.
When I first started, I didn’t realize how important having the right rod was.
My regular rod wasn’t up to the task, and I lost a few crabs because of it.
With the right setup, you’ll have a much easier time.
2. Find the Perfect Spot
The spot you choose makes all the difference.
Crabs love to gather in sandy or muddy areas where they can hide, so look for places like piers, jetties, or sandy beaches.
I usually head to spots with less wave action, it's easier to feel the crabs pulling on the line when the water is calm.
The first time I tried snaring in a spot with strong waves, I could hardly tell the difference between a wave and a crab, which made the experience really frustrating.
Now, I always check the water conditions before setting up.
3. Set Up Your Snare
Fixing the snare to your rod and adding bait is simple but needs a bit of care.
Make sure the bait is secure in the snare’s cage, and that the loops are open and ready to catch.
I remember the first time I set up my snare, I didn’t secure the bait well enough, and it was gone by the time I pulled it up.
Since then, I have learned to double-check everything before casting.
4. Cast and Wait
Casting the snare is a lot like casting any fishing line.
Get it out as far as you can, then let it settle on the bottom.
Patience is important here.
Crabs take their time finding the bait, and you want to give them a chance to get caught in the loops.
I used to pull up too quickly because I was excited, but I have learned that waiting a bit longer often means a better chance of a good catch.
5. Feel for the Tug
Once your snare is on the bottom, you need to feel for the crabs.
Crabs will start pulling and moving the line, and that’s when you know it’s time.
The first few times, I wasn’t sure if it was a crab or just the current, but you get a feel for it after a while.
When you are confident, give a slow, steady pull to close the snare and then bring it in.
6. Pulling in Your Catch
Reeling in a crab takes a gentle hand.
You don’t want to shake the line too much, as the crab could slip out.
Keep a steady pressure, and bring it in smoothly.
The excitement of seeing a crab on the end of the line never gets old for me.
Even now, every time I pull one up, I feel a sense of accomplishment, and that is a feeling I’ll never get tired of.
7. Handle and Release
Once you have got your crab, handle it carefully.
Crabs can be aggressive, and you want to avoid those claws.
I usually grab them from behind the main shell, making sure my fingers are out of reach.
If the crab is too small or it’s a female carrying eggs, I always release it back into the water.
Letting go of small or female crabs with eggs means there will be more for us all to enjoy in the future.
Recommended Tools To Make Crab Snaring Easier
These are a couple of tools that have made my crab snaring experiences smoother, both are a must have, and are very important for a successful crab snaring trip.
1. Crab Gauge
When it comes to keeping crabs, you want to make sure they are the right size.
A crab gauge is an important tool for measuring your catch, making sure it's legal to keep.
I use a Stainless Steel Crab Gauge that holds right onto my gear bag, so it's always easy to reach.
It’s lightweight and easy to use, and I find it gives me peace of mind knowing I’m following the rules.
2. Bait Cage
A good bait cage can make a huge difference when you are snaring.
I use a Heavy-Duty Bait Cage to hold my bait securely in the snare.
The strong metal construction keeps the bait in place, even when a crab pulls at it.
The first time I used a cheaper bait bag, the crabs tore it open, and I ended up with nothing. Since switching to a solid bait cage, I have had much better results.
Conclusion
Crab snaring is an enjoyable way to spend time by the water, combining patience with the fun of the catch.
From picking the right gear to learning how to feel for that soft pull, the process is both simple and rewarding.
Each time you cast your line, you’ll learn a bit more, and with the right tools, your chances of success will only improve.
I hope this guide helps you get started and gets you to go out to the shore and give it a try.
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of pulling in your own catch, and with a bit of practice, you’ll be enjoying fresh crab in no time.
