Crabbing locations in Central Florida

[JulieKitchen]

Hello - I'm new to the post; and actually, not that much of an experienced crabber. (Years ago [30] we crabbed in  the panhandle south of Tallahassee in a state park - but when we went back there last year, crabbing areas were slim to none - I think the park people were concerned about liability as far as gator bites went - maybe).  Anyway..., my 14 year old daughter wants to go crabbing and I have a couple of questions for any knowledgable crabber out there.  Is January a good month?  I always heard the "R" months were the best months in Florida - is this true or an 'old wives tale'?   Does anyone have any suggestions for places to go in/around Central Florida?  Thank you - I appreciate your help.
Julie

[kajuncrabber]

Julie,

             I am from south Louisiana and not sure about locations in central Florida or hot spots, but I can tell you that Florida and Louisiana probably work the same on best times to fish crabs during the year being they are pretty far south. Over here the crabs bite much better in the summer time if you are looking for big blue male crabs. Right now in January they are still getting a few females, but most of the males have buried for Winter. We are also supposed to have a hard freeze by the end of the week. That also will affect the few crabs that are still being caught. Probably best bet when it warms up a little in shallow water near the beach. I hope this can help you, 

kajun

[JulieKitchen]

Hello Kajuncrabber
Thank you for your advice - that does seem to make a lot of sense!  Bundle up for the cold weather heading your way - it is coming to Florida next!
Thanks again.
Julie

[Todd E. Bonez]

Hello all, I am living in Port Orange (Daytona area) and would like to know if anyone has any crabbing spots suitable for small children? A couple places I checked out looked a little too dangerous for the young ones. Also, what is a good month around here to start trying to crab?? Thanks for any advice. Todd E. Bonez.

[SHELLFISH]

Try the public docks or fishing piers in your area. Daytona and New Smyrna have them and they are productive! I don't know if Port Orange has any; look around and ask at the tackle shops. Good luck!

[Todd E. Bonez]

Thanks Bogman,  Nice day today. I think I'll take a ride and investigate NSB.

[Todd E. Bonez]

Thanks Bogman!

[SHELLFISH]

What did you find? Let us know how you do with the crab catch! I'll be down there in eight weeks.

[Muslickz]

Hey All!

   I too am from the Orlando area... I have just started to fish and crab here as I only moved here a few months ago from Long Island. On Long Island you can catch crabs ANYWHERE.. there are Blue claws, as well as rock or spider crabs as we call em.. And YES we do eat the spider crabs.. but just the claws..

I have been out to Titusville bridge area and seen many people shrimping from the Titusville bridge but my search for the elusive "Local crab guru" (The guy who only crabs and has been doing it in this area for years.. There's one in every town) has not panned out.

   After inquiring at a few tackle shops in the area I have been told that it is possible to crab year round, But summer is the best. I am used to the June, July, August season in NY, but was looking forward to some winter crab catching.
   
   I will be going out either tomorrow or wed. to try to land a few reds.. and will crab as well. I usually hand line thou I have built a few pots for myself and will prob try em out. I will report back as to where and when and how things go.

-Mus

[SHELLFISH]

I'd be interested to hear your report, thanks!

[Crabcruncher]

Muslickz,

Im over in the Panhandle and Ive been catching all I can eat the past two months. Last time I went was last Wednesday. The water temp was sixty degrees and the crabs, Large Males, were still located in twelve feet of water just inside the mouth of the bayous near a channel edge. Check a topo map and drop your crab pots in these areas. Dey HONGRY.

crabcruncher

[SHELLFISH]

Crabcruncher, Sounds good to me, good job! Go get 'em!