Looking to get into commercial crabbing

[Ryanthecrabber]

I crab on the pax river in Southern md just recreationally 1200 trot line with fowl necks. Love it and would like to do it commercially. What are some tips? I know it's hard to get a liscense so that's my first step. Which liscense should I buy or apply for?

[reds]

I crab on the pax river in Southern md just recreationally 1200 trot line with fowl necks. Love it and would like to do it commercially. What are some tips? I know it's hard to get a liscense so that's my first step. Which liscense should I buy or apply for?

I just checked Maryland DNR's list for Free licenses. The LCC (LImited Crab Catcher) list is 288 people long for a license. 1st guy on the list has been waiting since 2013. So it appears a free license is out of the question.

Next is if you buy one. I have seen them this year for as high as $6000. Facebook Market Place is a good source of for sale licenses. Put in LCC (crab) licenses for sale.

[Mr. Ray III]

I just checked Maryland DNR's list for Free licenses. The LCC (LImited Crab Catcher) list is 288 people long for a license. 1st guy on the list has been waiting since 2013. So it appears a free license is out of the question.

Next is if you buy one. I have seen them this year for as high as $6000. Facebook Market Place is a good source of for sale licenses. Put in LCC (crab) licenses for sale.

Just buy the license, you can make the money back easily.  Figure, $100/bushel x 10 bushels (minimum) a day= $1000/day.  Easy money. 

[Ryanthecrabber]

I know it's rough work. But honestly [shiz] I love it more then anything so figured I'd jump in feet first. Yeah the 50 pot liscense are 6k. Best tips for type of boat? I'd be obviously running troutline.  Amy tips are greatly appreciated

[Stabilizer]

Some tips:
IMO, Don't bank on 10 bushel a day.  When you get your license, I'd happily buy your catch at $100 bushel though.  I use a 21 KenCraft, many people use C-Hawks, and even Carolina Skiffs. Just rig it up and get out there.  Don't over invest in the first year as you learn what works and doesn't work for you.

[Ryanthecrabber]

Some tips:
IMO, Don't bank on 10 bushel a day.  When you get your license, I'd happily buy your catch at $100 bushel though.  I use a 21 KenCraft, many people use C-Hawks, and even Carolina Skiffs. Just rig it up and get out there.  Don't over invest in the first year as you learn what works and doesn't work for you.

When I do bet a liscense do I have to call dnr or am I good to go? I know of people around here getting 400 bucks for Jumbos a bushel. How would I find a wholesaler or someone to sell to? Ask around? Can I sell them outta my house to say friends?

[Mikie]

If you buy a license you have to go through the DNR to transfer it to you. You can sell out of your house directly to the public, etc., there are different reports to file and different fees you need to pay. DNR will tell you all about it.

[Ryanthecrabber]

Wow awesome. So the liscense I should start with is 50 pot commercial liscense males only??

[partime59]

if you buy a 50 pot, still get on the list to get one from the state, when it comes thru sell the one you bought and get your money back

[Seaweed]

I've got a 21' Kencraft for sale...

[rdbeard]

Please more picks, what is the power? pics of stern ?

[Seaweed]

Please more picks, what is the power? pics of stern ?

2003 115 Johnson 2 stroke.  runs good.  Clean carbs. Water pump is strong.

[Seaweed]

Please more picks, what is the power? pics of stern ?

[Ryanthecrabber]

if you buy a 50 pot, still get on the list to get one from the state, when it comes thru sell the one you bought and get your money back

The list is like years long lol

[Ryanthecrabber]

I looked at what the restaurants in my area are selling bushels of #2 1s for its outrageous. Upwards of 400 dollers.how much could I sell them for? Any scale to well them at a certain price? Or just sell them what the other guy is selling but 10 bucks cheaper.lol

[Mr. Ray III]

I looked at what the restaurants in my area are selling bushels of #2 1s for its outrageous. Upwards of 400 dollers.how much could I sell them for? Any scale to well them at a certain price? Or just sell them what the other guy is selling but 10 bucks cheaper.lol

That's a huge problem crabbers have, just keep undercutting each other to sell crabs. 

Market will dictate the price but you won't get restaurant prices.  Its 4th of July, prices are sky high and everything's a 1.  End of summer, demand is down, crabs are cheaper.

[Stabilizer]

I've got a 21' Kencraft for sale...

Nice!

[Stabilizer]

I looked at what the restaurants in my area are selling bushels of #2 1s for its outrageous. Upwards of 400 dollers.how much could I sell them for? Any scale to well them at a certain price? Or just sell them what the other guy is selling but 10 bucks cheaper.lol

Please don't do that. Figure out what is right for you and your customers. What others are doing has surprisingly little to do with it. If money is the sole pursuit, an hourly job at a convenience store or construction helper would put more in your pocket with less financial risk.

[Ryanthecrabber]

Please don't do that. Figure out what is right for you and your customers. What others are doing has surprisingly little to do with it. If money is the sole pursuit, an hourly job at a convenience store or construction helper would put more in your pocket with less financial risk.

I have a full time job as a lineman money is not the sole pursuit. Sole pursuit is to do something I love and money is a side product. BUT with that being said I would like to ofcourse make money.

[Ryanthecrabber]

I found a nice 16 foot Caroline skiff with a 40 hp johnson I. Think it's the right boat and pretty good deal on it