There is nothing quite like bringing home freshly caught crabs for a delicious meal after a successful day of crabbing by the shore, however, catching them isn’t the hardest part of crabbing.
Transporting them safely is the most important and hardest part of the whole procedure, it is important to make sure they stay alive and healthy until it is time to cook them.
Luckily, there are a few practical tips that actually do work with keeping crabs in great shape during the journey home.
You have to do what it takes to keep the crabs alive, because it is unhealthy to eat dead crabs.
So, in this post, I’ll share my best techniques for transporting fresh-caught crab, so you can enjoy your catch at its finest later on.
So, lets get started on making sure your crabs get home fresh and ready for cooking.
How To Transport Fresh-caught Crab For Cooking Later?
I have learned a few practical tips over the years that help keep my crabs safe, healthy and alive on my way home from the shore, and I’m going to share these tips with you so you can also have your fresh-caught crabs arrive fresh and ready to be cooked.
1. Use a Live Well or Cooler
One of the first things I do after catching crabs is transfer them to a live well or a cooler filled with seawater.
If you don’t have a live well, a cooler works just as well.
Just make sure to add ice packs or ice to keep the water cool.
I like to use a cooler with a drain so I can change out the water as often as I can, which keeps it fresh.
The cooler not only protects the crabs but also helps maintain their health until I’m ready to cook them.
2. Cover Them with Seaweed or Damp Towels
To keep the crabs comfortable during transport, I often cover them with seaweed or damp towels.
This helps maintain humidity and keeps them calm, it also helps protect them from the sun, or heat.
I have found that using seaweed is particularly effective because it keeps them moist and feels more natural for the crabs.
Just make sure the seaweed is clean and free from any thing that can contaminate the crabs or the water.
3. Avoid Over-crowding
While it’s tempting to pack as many crabs as I can into my cooler, I gave learned that overcrowding can lead to crabs fighting and even killing each other.
I aim to keep the crabs in a single layer if possible.
This not only reduces stress but also gives them space to move around.
A well organized cooler means better transport and healthier crabs when I get home.
4. Keep the Temperature Consistent
Maintaining a constant temperature is a must.
I try to keep the cooler in a shaded area in my vehicle, away from direct sunlight.
If it’s a hot day, I’ll check on them frequently to make sure the temperature stays cool.
If necessary, I’ll add more ice or change the water to prevent it from getting too hot.
A simple environment makes a big difference in keeping the crabs alive and healthy on your way home.
5. Plan for Quick Cooking
Finally, I always plan to cook the crabs as soon as I get home.
The sooner I can prepare them, the better the flavor and texture will be.
I make sure to have my cooking equipment ready before I leave for crabbing.
This way, once I arrive home, I can get right to cooking without delay.
Fresh crab is best enjoyed right after catching, and I want to make sure I maximize that freshness as best as possible.
Recommended Gear For Transporting Fresh-caught Crabs
To make transporting your fresh-caught crabs even easier, having the right gear is very important.
Here are two products that I have found very helpful, and I make use of them whenever I go crabbing.
1. Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler
One of my go to tools for keeping crabs fresh is the Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler.
This cooler is designed to withstand the elements and keep contents cold for extended periods.
It has a UV-resistant outer part, which means it won’t get damaged from being out in the sun.
I appreciate the strong handles that make it easy to carry, especially when I’m taking my catch back from a long day at the shore.
This cooler make sure my crabs stay cool and healthy during transport, and it’s a solid equipment for any crabbing lovers.
2. Reusable Ice Packs
Another essential item I always pack is reusable ice packs.
I prefer the Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers because they are slim and fit easily into my cooler without taking up too much space.
These ice packs stay cold for hours and help maintain a proper temperature for the crabs.
I often top them with the crabs or place them underneath the cooler contents for added cooling power.
Having reliable ice packs on hand makes a big difference in making sure my crabs arrive home in great condition.
With these products in your crabbing equipment, transporting fresh-caught crabs will be as easy as possible.
So you get to enjoy your crabbing adventures and the delicious meals that follow!
Conclusion
So transporting fresh-caught crabs doesn’t have to be a too hard.
By using a live well or cooler, covering them with damp materials, avoiding overcrowding, and maintaining a proper temperature, you’ll be sure your crabs stay healthy until it’s time to cook.
Adding quality gear like the Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler and reusable ice packs will make the process even easier.
I have found that the care taken in transporting my catch greatly affects the final flavor and texture of the meal.
With these simple steps and the right products, you can enjoy your crabs at their best.
Here’s to many successful crabbing trips and delicious feasts ahead! 🥂
