crabbing on Sanibel Island sw florida 6/13/10

[prosh442]

We have been going every sunday to the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge.after a few times we have found one spot that is loaded with crabs.They are getting bigger too.the first time we hit that spot was last month and they were 4"-5".. some doublers and not to many females.Now they are 5 1/2" -6 1/2" and mostly all males.out of 48 we caught only 1 had a soft shell and a few were real thin shells.the limit is 20 per person per day. we went over the limit by a few so we put back the smaller ones before leaving the refuge.I cant wait till aug or sept when they are all grown up and huge.Its almost to easy to catch them ,at low tide its only 12" of water and they are all over in groups.I just walk around with a net and catch 2 or 3 in a row before putting them in my basket.no traps or bait is allowed ,but you dont need it...they seem to love this one pool of water which is approx 60' x 120' and open to the bay on 2 sides.They dont seem to flee very far when were in there with them,they just swim maybe 10 ft and stop.its great fun..

[tattoo]

thanks for the report . you are doing well WTG. 

[jennifer86]

where exactly in sanibel was this? i am very intrigued!!

[prosh442]

Ding Darling National wildlife refuge .can't reveal my exact spot, but if you look on the left side of the road going through the refuge you will see crabs . Just beware of gators and if the refuge patrol sees you in the water ,you may be asked to leave . The left side of the road is preserved for birds and the right side is ok to go in. Good luck

[possomcat]

You are too good, can't wait til we get to Sanibel. Will definately call you after I play with the year old twin grandbabies and all my other grandkids.
 

[anamealreadyinuse]

Prosh, are you dip-netting these crab?

[prosh442]

Yes , just a net is all you need.