Crabbing near Fort Myers and Bonita Springs, FL

[Jane]

  Want to go blue crabbing around Fort Myers or Naples...and do not know where to go. Can anyone help?
Thanks,
Jane

[DocSmith]

Jane -

Go to any decent looking bait and tackle shop in those areas and buy a crab trap or two.  Then ask the owner (not the kid behind the counter) where you can crab and what kind of bait to use.  That should get you started.  I always heard that Marco Island crabs around Ft Meyers were the best on the west coast of Florida.  Also, if you see someone crabbing, stop and watch what they are doing, ask some questions, then go to a similar location and do the same thing.  Then read everything of  substance on this wonderful Website!

  Doc

[Uly]

I crab in Cape Coral at least once a week and it seems that no matter where I go, if you can gain access to the water, the crabs are there. The Caloosahatchi may be an exception. I live on the river and I do see crab traps out there but not as many as there once was. I don't believe there is a blade of grass remaining in that river thanks to the Mannatees.

Good luck crabbing, I'm a chicken necker so all I need are a few droplines and a scoope net .

Uly

[bdavid42]

Hi,  Try the ft myers beach public pier. I go there once a week and get at least 12 or so nice blue crabs. The biggest problem is the parking. I'm also looking for some good areas. good luck. had a nice crab dinner last night. still worth all the work

Bill