Try Crabbing for Family Fun

Ghost Crabbing

In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, summer evenings bring out guests with flashlights scouring the beaches for tiny sand crabs before they burrow into the sand. Ghost crabbing is the name of the game.

Finding the small sand crabs is much easier at night, hence the name ghost crabbing. It’s a fantastic family activity and will quickly become a vacation tradition.

All you need is a bucket and a flashlight. Don’t forget to use red filter stickers to keep the bright light from your flashlight from disorienting newly hatched baby sea turtles. The Welcome Centers in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have free red filters. Be sure to stop by and ask for some.

Some families turn ghost crabbing into a friendly competition by forming teams and counting crabs to find a winner at night's end. Give yourself a point every time you catch one, and then release the crab back into the sand. Do not take the crabs off the beach or back to your lodging.

Catching Blue Crab

Hunting for blue crab is also a fantastic family activity. You can catch these creatures and cook them up for a delicious meal or just have fun catching and releasing them. Blue crabs are found in the back bays and waterways during the summer months.

The most common method used to catch blue crabs is a crab basket. You can purchase these inexpensive tools at one of the many tackle shops in the area. Then, all you have to do is drop them from a pier, sea wall, kayak or canoe and wait.

Baskets aren’t the only way to catch blue crabs. The most basic crabbing is accomplished with a line and bait. You don’t even need a hook. Just tie the bait to the end of the line with a sinker. Drop the line, and when a crab finds it, pull him slowly to the shore. A net will be necessary if you plan to keep the crab for dinner. Crabs are not picky eaters, so you can use most anything for bait, and fish parts work well. Have a container to keep your crab alive to ensure it is safe to consume.

Keep in mind that, even for recreational crabbing, you must have a saltwater fishing license. For more information on recreational crabbing, visit Outdoor Alabama to review the rules and regulations.

Top Crab Trapping Locations

Whether you're a seasoned pro or trying crabbing at the beach for the first time, these Gulf Shores and Orange Beach locations provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable adventure.

Gulf State Park Fishing Pier: This iconic pier isn't just for fishing, it's also a top spot for crabbing. Stretching 1,540 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, this pier is an affordable and beginner-friendly crabbing hotspot. You can also obtain your fishing license here and take advantage of the pier’s facilities and amenities, including bait and tackle, souvenirs, and concessions.

Orange Beach Waterfront Park: Bring the whole family to this scenic park for a secluded crabbing experience. With its calm waterfront area, it's perfect for kids to try their hand at catching crabs for the first time. Plus, there are picnic areas, playgrounds, and restrooms onsite, making it an ideal destination for a day of family fun.

Tips for Successful Crabbing

Ready to grab some crabs like a pro? Follow these top tips to make sure your crabbing adventure is a huge success!

• Pick the right bait and traps: Using the right bait, like chicken necks, fish heads, or fish scraps, is crucial. Also, choose crab traps with escape rings to allow small crabs to exit, helping to preserve the population.
• Know the local regulations and size limits: Before heading out for your crabbing adventure, familiarize yourself with the local regulations and size limits. This ensures you're in compliance with the law and helps protect the crab population. Always measure your catch to ensure they meet the minimum size requirements.
• Timing and tides matter: The best time for crabbing at the beach is during high tide, as this is when crabs are most active. Keeping an eye on the moon phase can also be beneficial, as crabs tend to be more active during a full or new moon.