1st Crab of 2022 Galveston County 1-8-2022

[CraigFos]

I did not get out for my normal New Years Day crabbing trip because I was camping on a freshwater lake. So my first trip was going to have to wait until this weekend.

Encouraged by catching a half dozen keepers the week of Christmas, BJFish and I were planning on catching crabs on Saturday to eat tailgating at the Texans game on Sunday.  Mother nature had other ideas.  The forecast on Friday called for an 85% chance of thunderstorms on Saturday morning and a 90% chance on Sunday. We canceled our plans.

I got up Saturday morning and it was overcast but no rain.  I checked the radar forecast and it did not show any rain at my crabbing hole until 2:30 p.m. I decided to give it a go.  I got to the crabbing hole and the water level was extremely high.  I would be limited to the area where I would be able to crab.

I put 4 handlines out and went back to check the first line.  There was a tug as I pulled the line in and the first crab of the year landed in my scoop net.  He looked small and just missed hitting the mark on my measuring stick. (He was probable legal since I cut my measuring stick on the safe side but back he went.)  For the next hour and a half, I was able to land seven more crabs that were just under the 5" mark.  If we were Jets or Giants fans we would have had a taste of crab while tailgating (if they tailgate in New Jersey.)

By the way, don't believe the weather radar forecast.  I got soaked by 2 different quick rainstorms before I gave up and pulled my lines in.

Looks like ham sandwiches at the stadium.

[Wallco99]

First Crab of 2022, with his little crustacean friend. LOL.

[Logical1]

Way to go after them Craig, I am hoping to get out sometime in April if the weather permits.  I have to be careful since I don't have a dry suit like Adam used to use for his really early season trips.  Hope everyone has a great year in 2022.

[king crab 48]

SOOO, that's what they look like    You had at least a chance to feel that tug for the first time in 22.   Something about that first feeling of ,, Oh,a crab is on there!,,  that flutters the ole heart,, lol!!   Go get em !!  Thanks for that first report 

[Crab Nebula]

It will be a while before i get back out there wearing a short sleeve shirt! Hey, there's nothing wrong with ham sandwiches!!!

[capt. ron]

At least you was able to catch a few.  Maybe not keepers but you had your hands on a crab.

My son Robbie put some traps out in Lake Pontchartrain last week.  Caught a dozen keepers.  Water is getting cold and they are just not biting.

Ronnie

[king crab 48]

At least you was able to catch a few.  Maybe not keepers but you had your hands on a crab.

My son Robbie put some traps out in Lake Pontchartrain last week.  Caught a dozen keepers.  Water is getting cold and they are just not biting.

Ronnie

  A dozen this time of year is like hitting the lottery ,,,  lol   

[Crab Cat]

And the first negative comment of 2022......with some name calling. Great job getting the year started?
As for the poster that caught the crabs-great job finding them Craig.

[Luvndbeach]

If you don't mind, where do you crab?