Bear Creek

[Ryan O]

Went out to Bear Creek this morning.  Got there a little late and started crabbing around 6:30 and left at 10:00.  Ended up with just a little under 3 dozen, with most crabs around 6 inches.  I would have stayed longer but everyone i called was busy so it was myself and my girlfriend eating them.  Didn't need a whole lot.  Fun day all in all.

[crabbingcraigy]

nice catch

[tattoo]

WTG, enjoy your catch. 

[ChrisS]

Your crabbing Jones creek, and your worried about the crabs in Bear creek??? Your trotline float were sitting right off Beth Steels discharge...lol!!!

[Striper in]

sitting right off Beth Steels discharge...lol!!!

They'll steam out.. no worries

[fledis]

Can you eat the crabs caught in bear creek. I've had people tell me not too?
I've always thought the crabs migrate up the bay in the summer? Are theses the same crabs that will be in the bush in a month?

The crabs I caught in Bear Creek last year were the best crabs I've ever had.  Incredible mustard and lots of meat.  Everyone I've talked to has said the same thing.

[tugcapt]

Some articles on that area.   


http://baltimorebrew.com/blog/2009/06/22/chemical-pollution-in-harbor-near-sparrows-point-appears-to-be-rising-despite-court-ordered-cleanup/



http://www.cbf.org/Page.aspx?pid=1051

[crabby Dan]

There is a health advisory posted at Turer Staition bulletin board on those crabs.DNR told me that the crabs are really bad in the inner Harbor and around the Hospital area.I know alot of people that crab in there and catch big crabs in there and tell me that they taste great.You boys can have them all.Cancer is a shitty way to go.

[Dreampixels]

Here is an advisory

http://www.mde.state.md.us/CitizensInfoCenter/FishandShellfish/home/index.asp

[tugcapt]

        

[Dreampixels]

Safe is a relative term - it looks to me there isn't any "SAFE" eating in seafood - but then again you ain't gettin out of this world alive.

[skiff1700]

nice i ate 3 dozen from bear creek  a week ago now i have pcb's oh well crab and learn. there is a differant taste from western shore crabs and eastern shore crabs, the crabs i catch on the elk have a sweeter flavor and are cleaner looking i dont know why its just the way it is.

[Ryan O]

I know the water in Bear Creek looks nasty, but I've never had a problem eating the crabs I catch there.  I've been eating those crabs for years and I've never been sick afterwards.  Also, I'm not the only person that crabs there.  If you go to Bear Creek on the weekends you will see 10 to 15 boats in there crabbing.  If the crabs were not okay to eat, no one would crab there.  Until you hear something, I wouldn't worry about if its unsafe to eat the crabs from Bear Creek.

[tugcapt]

I know the water in Bear Creek looks nasty, but I've never had a problem eating the crabs I catch there.  I've been eating those crabs for years and I've never been sick afterwards.  Also, I'm not the only person that crabs there.  If you go to Bear Creek on the weekends you will see 10 to 15 boats in there crabbing.  If the crabs were not okay to eat, no one would crab there.  Until you hear something, I wouldn't worry about if its unsafe to eat the crabs from Bear Creek.

Did you read any of the links that were posted, at all?   

http://baltimorebrew.com/blog/2009/06/22/chemical-pollution-in-harbor-near-sparrows-point-appears-to-be-rising-despite-court-ordered-cleanup/

[tugcapt]

While everyone is watching BP and talking about the effects on seafood, when the big companies say it's ok to eat, will you?  That is basically what is going on here, the MDE (Maryland Department of Environment, NOT DNR) is taking the word of the steel mill that it's ok. They also go on to say no one goes near the water, so no need to warn anyone.  If this was something like the gulf spill, people would listen, but over 150 years of toxic waste in one area and it's OK.  

From the article:

EFFECTS ON CRABBERS, BOATERS: UNCLEAR

In its report to MDE, the steel company asserted that toxic wastes in harbor sediments did not pose a hazard to humans.

Addressing specifically the question of benzene contamination, the report noted, “The localized area where benzene is present in surface water adjacent to the COA [coke oven area] is not frequented by recreators, such as swimmers or water skiers, therefore, direct contact pathways such as dermal contact and incidental ingestion of surface water are incomplete.”

However, the report conceded that fish and shellfish could absorb toxic chemicals present in sediments and surface water around Sparrows Point. “If such chemicals (i.e., metals and PAHs) … undergo bio-uptake by these aquatic organisms… the food pathway to humans is reasonably judged to be complete.”

[ChrisS]

They taste just fine to me.

[tugcapt]

Here's a little history of the POINT (Sparrows Point) and how much they dump.

http://baltimorebrew.com/blog/2009/05/31/polluting-turners-station-and-dundalk-a-maryland-tradition/

[ChrisS]

Here's a little history of the POINT (Sparrows Point) and how much they dump.

http://baltimorebrew.com/blog/2009/05/31/polluting-turners-station-and-dundalk-a-maryland-tradition/

Thats why it is very important to NEVER let AES come in here and dredge for that LNG plant!!!!!!!!!!!

[lank]

I grew up in Dundalk, swam in Bear Creek when your bathing suit trurned orange when Beth Steel was in full swing, Fished and crabbed there many years, I'm 67 yrs. old and just as healthy now as I was then. Just as crazy. I guess wjth all the fish and crabs I caught and ate from Bear Creek I should be dead by now.

[GP Deadliest]

Where is the easiest and quickest place to launch from if I am trying to crab at Bear Creek? I am a beginner and taking my girlfriend out.

[Ravendave]

nice i ate 3 dozen from bear creek  a week ago now i have pcb's oh well crab and learn. there is a differant taste from western shore crabs and eastern shore crabs, the crabs i catch on the elk have a sweeter flavor and are cleaner looking i dont know why its just the way it is.

Yeah those Elk crabs taste sweet because of the turd factory right in Elkton.

[skiff1700]

mmmmmmmm tasty!!!! launch at turnerstation.

[Ravendave]

Where is the easiest and quickest place to launch from if I am trying to crab at Bear Creek? I am a beginner and taking my girlfriend out.

There are 3 launches in Dundalk and they will put you in Bear Creek.  Try http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/recreation/countyparks/waterfront/boatramps.html

[GP Deadliest]

I think I will try Inverness Park since that is right on Bear Creek.  Its worth a shot to get some crabs

[krabby patty]

According to the fish advisory report all crabs are okay to eat in all parts of the bay. It can be found in an internet search for maryland fish advisory.
Just don't eat the mustard according to this report.
hope this helps