How long to keep crabs

[kez]

All right, a quick question here, my friends. I own bayfront property in OC and am working there during the week. I would like to take the keepers back with me when I go home on the weekends, but I don't know how long I can keep them, or what the best method is. Should I only plan on taking the catch back home the same day, since the crab pots must be pulled by 5:00 anyway? Thanks for any advice.

Paul.

[kingcrabber]

All right, a quick question here, my friends. I own bayfront property in OC and am working there during the week. I would like to take the keepers back with me when I go home on the weekends, but I don't know how long I can keep them, or what the best method is. Should I only plan on taking the catch back home the same day, since the crab pots must be pulled by 5:00 anyway? Thanks for any advice.

Paul.

Paul..modify a big cooler...what I mean is this.....get a 100 quart cooler...place a peice of plywood that is cut to your cooler INSIDE the cooler with 1 inch riser underneath your plywood ....for the risers you can use 1 in dows that you can get at any Home Depot.....before you place the plywood with the risers in the cooler,put ice in the cooler...after the ice,put your plywood and risers on top of the ice.....place your crabs on the plywood...this will prevent the crabs from drowning....the crabs will last for 2-3 days like this..just remember to drain the cooler as the ice melts..and crack the top of your cooler so the crabs get air.....hope this helps   KC

[tattoo]

LISTEN TO K.C. He's the man. 

[kez]

Yes, I always listen to good advice. KC, thanks for stopping by to post a reply. Sounds like a solid way to keep them fresh, great idea. I'm going to toss out the crab pot next week and see if any crabs are interested in relocating... Thanks!

Paul.

[coastman]

If you have your own dock try this. I place a large plastic trash can witl holes drilled in it so water can pass through it. Make sure the trash can has a tight fitting lid. I tie the trash can to the dock. The crabs will live in the trash can for weeks if you place pieces of fish in the container with them. I use this system to keep crabs alive for later use.

[crabologist]

First time I ever heard of a trash can for a live box , but whatever works for you is good ...................

[kingcrabber]

Yes, I always listen to good advice. KC, thanks for stopping by to post a reply. Sounds like a solid way to keep them fresh, great idea. I'm going to toss out the crab pot next week and see if any crabs are interested in relocating... Thanks!

Paul.

Paul..one more thing..if you need to add some ice to the cooler...if the first ice has melted...what I have done is grab a couple of door handles(the cheap ones) at Home Depot..screw them into your plywood on the sides...the crabs will be dormant with the cold temps in your cooler..you can then lift the plywood right out of your cooler...put ice back in..and replace your plywood full of crabs..no fuss..no muss    Rick

[Joe Crabs]

That's assuming you are catching crabs.

[dfran]

KC how many crabs fit in the modified 120 qt. cooler, 1/2 bushel, 3/4 bushel. Just your best guess. Thanks

Dfran

[Crabber Joe]

KC how many crabs fit in the modified 120 qt. cooler, 1/2 bushel, 3/4 bushel. Just your best guess. Thanks

Dfran

Thats all it would be, is his best guess.....

[Black Irish]

KC how many crabs fit in the modified 120 qt. cooler, 1/2 bushel, 3/4 bushel. Just your best guess. Thanks

Dfran

Dry volume...120qts = 3.75 bushels

All depends on how much ice you put in with the crabs.

[kez]

Coastman -- I like that idea, your own "live well" for crabs. I have a dock, and something similar might work out pretty good there.

Rick -- You should get a patent for your method. I think I'm going to try and put one of them together, it sounds like a winner.

I'm going to throw the crab trap out this week. So for anyone located in OC, I'll post my results in the MD section. Thanks you guys.

Paul.

[SHELLFISH]

I use the 2 liter soda bottles; fill with water and freeze. Place in bottom of cooler and cover with wet news paper then crabs on top. No problem! Ice will last in bottles for a couple of days! My cooler holds nine of em!
You could make the KC plywood plate ( I haven't) for added convenience also.