Recreational Crabbing
With a Dip Net

• GEAR -- A hand line (string), weight, bait and a long-handled dip net.
  
  
• BAITS -- Chicken parts such as necks and backs; oily fish such as bluefish, menhaden or herring.
  
  
• NETS -- Chicken wire nets are superior to twine nets because the crab doesn't become entangled.
  
  
• TECHNIQUE -- Let the baited line sink to the bottom and periodically feel the line to see if a crab is feeding or tugging on the other end. If you feel a crab, slowly raise the string until the crab is visible. Then sweep the dip net under the crab, bait and weight and catch all three.
  
  
• STORAGE -- A bushel basket with a lid will hold the crabs. Do not place crabs in a closed container with water because they will die from a lack of oxygen. If possible, keep a wet burlap bag over the crabs and keep them out of direct sunlight.