How Does Crabbing Differ From Fishing?

Crabbing and fishing both involve catching water creatures, but they are quite different in how they work, the gear used, and the rules that one must follow. In this article, I’ll break down their differences to help you decide whether to fish or crab, get the right equipment, and use the best strategies out on the water.

1. Popularity

Fishing is done a whole lot more in the United States. According to NOAA, around 200 million fishing trips were taken in 2020, mostly from shore. Crabbing is more popular in certain areas, like the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.
Even though they're very different, both are fun ways to spend time on the water in the right region.

2. Techniques

Crabbing involves setting traps or cages to capture crabs. These traps, typically baited with fish scraps, clams, squid or chicken or turkey necks, lure crabs in but prevent their escape. It involves patience and strategic placement as crabbers wait for crabs to enter their traps.

Fishing requires casting a line using a rod and reel, and then waiting for fish to bite the bait attached to the hook. This activity involves skills such as casting and reeling in the catch with finesse.

3. Gear

For crabbing, the gear includes crab pots or traps, nylon rope for float lines, and marker buoys. Crab traps need to be tagged to identify the owner and comply with local regulations.

In fishing, the gear involves fishing rods and reels, hooks, lines, and sinkers. The type of bait varies, including options like worms, artificial lures, or small fish. We discuss the different kinds of fishing lure as well as unusual fishing lures in separate posts.

4. Regulations

Regulations for crabbing include licensing requirements, seasons, size and catch limits, and other important guidelines.

For example, in Washington state, sport crabbers aged 15 and above must have a Washington fishing license with a crab endorsement. They must report their Dungeness crab catch on separate summer and fall/winter catch record cards.

In Virginia, licenses are needed for using one crab trap or pound, crab trotline up to 300 feet, and 3 to 5 recreational crab pots with or without terrapin excluder devices.

There are also rules for the type of bait allowed and requirements for the traps, like having escape vents for undersized crabs.

Meanwhile, fishing regulations vary based on location and species targeted, often including limits on size, number, species of fish that can be caught, licensing requirements, and gear and bait that may be used.

For comprehensive and region-specific information, it's best to consult the relevant fish and wildlife agency's website where you're fishing or crabbing.

5. Seasonality and Accessibility

Crabbing can be done year-round in most places, except during specific closures for conservation purposes. Fishing seasons can vary greatly depending on the fish species and location.

6. Ethics and Sustainability

Both activities demand a commitment to conservation. In crabbing, it’s important not to overharvest and to check traps regularly to prevent ghost fishing.

Don't miss our post Where Have All The Snow Crabs Gone? for more insight on conservation efforts.

Fishing also demands responsible practices, such as following catch limits and size restrictions to maintain fish populations. If you're curious about whether overfishing is still a problem, check out this post.

Conclusion

While both can be fun outdoor activities, fishing and crabbing are quite different in what they involve. Thinking about if you want to catch finfish or shellfish, what kind of gear you need, and the separate skills for each can help make sure your next day out on the water goes smoothly!

For the latest updates, hacks, and expert tips and tricks on fishing, be sure to check out our other blog posts.