How Late In The Year do the Crabs Run in SE Massachusetts ?

[mickyyy]

It seems to me that the number of crabs I am catching has dropped off from the June-July highs that I was hitting at the same location. Either the area has gotten a bit "crabbed out" or they are already beginning to move out, or a little of both. The water temps have not gone down yet, but I know they react to other signals as well. I don't have several previous years to relate to, and was wondering what the experienced locals might have to say about the timing for crab season in southeast Mass. and RI

[crabbyjim]

october

[MistyBlue]

My guess would be that they are "crabbed out". Ever since the ProJo had an article about the crabs being in the area with abundance a few weeks back, everyone and their brother is on the shore with a net and a bucket.

[mickyyy]

I saw the article as well, and was almost tempted to try some of my RI spots. How are you doing down on the salt ponds? It sounds to me like you are seeing the catch drop off as well. It will probably continue to drop off from this point on. 

Crabbyjim: Safe to assume that the numbers are going to drop off from this point going forward?

[crabbyjim]

numbers may drop off but quality should improve, plenty out there just have to know where to go. if ur limited to shore fishing its going to be tougher, lots of competition. i suggest study google earth and try a couple of new places. 

[mickyyy]

I also have to accept the fact that it will take a little more time to hit the same number of keepers as the season winds down. I do my crabbing from a 9.5 ft plastic dinghy with a 2 HP motor, which works great in the river. There are several more locations that I have not yet given a try. Hopefully, I will be posting a good Labor Day weekend report. Thanks for the advice.

[MistyBlue]

numbers may drop off but quality should improve, plenty out there just have to know where to go. if ur limited to shore fishing its going to be tougher, lots of competition. i suggest study google earth and try a couple of new places. 

I'm finding that the males are smaller and the majority that I catch are females. Since I throw the females back (want to catch their offspring next year), and it's not worth keeping males that are just barely legal, I'm starting to feel like Charlie Moore (the mad fisherman) and his "catch and release" program.

[robc22]

You guys work the same area's hard year after year......time for a row boat and do a little exploring.........

[MistyBlue]

I really can't complain, start crabbing as soon as the boat goes in the water late May, early June. By this time of year we are "crabbed out" (even the cat has had his fill). But that doesn't stop me from looking for that monster that's large enough to send to Tattoo for mounting.

[crabbyjim]

the elusive 8"