Crabbing for fun in Salem, MA

[Nikkoreeta]

I went crabbing for fun a few years back at The Willows in Salem, however I've since moved and I know they've done work on the pier/shut it down since then. Does anyone know if it's open again? And if not, are there places around Salem that are good to go for a day trip? I don't drive mind you, so anywhere would have to be within walking distance. Also, when does the season end so to speak? I remember we went in summer but I can't remember when for the life of me, nor do I have any idea of when a good time of year to go is in general. I always just used the metal baskets that fold flat when they hit the ground and tied chicken parts to them, if that matters.