St Lucie River- BDRs and first quarter report of 2023- April

[Jimmies and Sooks]

After the first 3 months of the year it is clear that the crabbing on the St Lucie river has cooled way down. I mean, 2022 was awesome and crabbing was great, but this year is the river is lucky to produce half the crabs. The slow down started in late December and the crabbing has never really improved. The area I crab has seen an increase in recreational traps and there is always the commercial guys working the area too, but the slow down happened aside of all that. Even the new BDR requirement are not really to blame, although I was quick to point the finger at them... but looking back I don't think that's the culprit. Unfortunately it's just an off year. Let me know if you've seen different. Maybe my spot just sucks now lol
On any given trip out in Jan, Feb and Mar my 5 traps would only catch about 15 crabs.
On a side note, I've found that plain old chicken seems to work the best in this river. Fish like Mullet, Shad, and Pogies also do well but you can't beat the 10lb bag of chicken at Walmart for under $5! Also, lots of theft on the river so beware. Which sucks, but it's better to be in the know.
Get crabbing people! Comment below if you've had a different experience this year on the St Lucie
I have been exploring new spots all over south Florida. 
Check out Jimmies and Sooks on YouTube to see all of my crabbing adventures.
https://www.youtube.com/@jimmiesandsooks

[SHELLFISH]

Thanks for the report and you should just wait it out and see what happens.
It might be a temporary slowdown due to cooler water temps?
Time will tell!

[TheGoschman]

THX for the report!!!!
Haven't been out for some time. Crappy weather, house purchase, general life in the way of fun kinda things!!

[Jimmies and Sooks]

Thanks for the report and you should just wait it out and see what happens.
It might be a temporary slowdown due to cooler water temps?
Time will tell!

I sure hope so Shellfish. Summer time is typically slower for me in S. Florida but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a pick-up the coming months. I'll report back on my findings.

Dropping some pots today so well see how we do in a few days