Weeki Wachee River Report and "Great Crabbing Getaway"

[Qcrab]

Went out on the Weeki Wachee today. Using three four door traps I caught 27 nice keepers. A couple were 7.5!, most around 6+. Also caught a BIG flounder to stuff with some of the crab.
I grew up around the Chesapeake and sure feel sorry your season ends.
Would anyone be interested in trip to the Gulf coast in Hernando County about one hour north of Tampa? A four day trip with accomodations and airfare would run about $350 pp. Im thinking about organizing this for the early spring or even next Nov. or Dec. Everyone could stay at the same resort in private cabins and party and crab our brains out. I know all the people and places to make this a great success! Even if only a few wish to join it could still happen. You would not believe how beautiful this area is.

Reply here if this sounds good to you.

[Qcrab]

I posted the "Getaway". I wanted to clear up by saying "we could all stay at the same place" I meant a resort with private cabins for each couple or person. Right on the shore.

[Crabanywhere]

I read with interest crabbing out of WW River.  I've been visiting the inlaws who live in Springhill, just a couple of minutes south of WW and tried crabbing/fishing a couple of times - never with much luck.  Did most from shore - Jenkins creek/Pine island.  Where abouts are you getting these 6+ inchers?  Do you need a boat to find them?

[Qcrab]

If you do not have a boat the best crabbing is:

Bayport Pier with traps and lines

Pine Island..wade out to the grassy areas at low tide with just a net and bucket and "scape em"

Walk along the river when you can gain access and scape

Canoe or small boat to grassy areas and scape (best where the river bends).

Boat anywhere and trap and scape

I'll be at Bayport pier today in the afternoon. Friday I caught a dozen large and jumbo at bayport in about 2 hrs.

[crabanywhere]

Qcrab,

Thanks for the tips - I'm looking forward to getting a chance at some of those crabs.  I'm also hoping to get out in the gulf for some grouper - I normally take the Thunder out, but haven't had the chance for a couple of years - any word on how their doing?

[Qcrab]

TODAY WAS GREAT
Here are a few from todays catch all were 6+ these here are around 7.5. Weeki Wachee rocks! 3 1/2 Doz in 2 hrs. Bayport Pier.

[Qcrab]

AHHH I discovered BBQ CRABS today!

I put a dozen crabs in ice water today and reached in...VERY AFRAID!

They were asleep? Very little movement. I was still apprehensive. Broke off the claws, broke off the shell and cleaned em' out like they were steamed. Not as easy as when they are steamed but similar.

Separated the claws and the bodies, separated the two halves legs intact.

Dipped them in liquid smoke and water (1/2 and 1/2). Then sprinkled a mix of OLD BAY, cayenne, chili powder and smoked paprika. Let them sit for two hours. Fried them in peanut oil for about three minutes till they floated.

They were amazing! It was so different from what I was used to. They have the fried taste of softshells and the great taste of BBQ.

I still favor the steamed in OLDBAY and beer and vinegar.. but this was still great. Different but VERY good.

Next Im going try them in lime jello...heard it was awesome!