10-20 Eastern Bay

[greenberg21]

Probably my last trip of the year.  Dropped 24 topless traps baited w/ fowl necks in the water at 7:45 and ran a total of 7 times.  Pulled last trap in the boat at 11:30 and ran back to the ramp.  Crabs were definitely deeper for me than past trips at the end of August and end of September.  Wouldn't say I got no crabs in 5-10', but I got a more consistent catch in 10'-14'.  Ended up with 36 crabs (half bushel due to size).  Saw more females and small crabs than past trips which is a good sign for next year.

When I came home to stream up my catch my very very old propane cooker would not give out a blue flame.  Tried 2 different propane tanks and fudged with it for over and hour, before finally relegating to steaming the crabs inside in a smaller pot.  What style cookers is everyone using?  My old one is a Bayou Classic double jet.  Contemplating just replacing the regulator hose, but would be the time to upgrade over the winter if there is a better cooker on the market.  Appreciate any tips or suggestions.

Either way, wish everyone a healthy winter and look forward to next April and future crabbing trips.  Got 15lbs of crabmeat in the freezer to use up from now until then. Take care.

[Mikie]

Did you check your burner well to make sure no spiders or bees clogged it up? That would have been my first guess, especially this time of the year.

[partime59]

utube has ton of clips on the regulator fix

[Hoghead]

My burner was on old cast iron. Rust would build up partial block flame. I take it apart once a year ( one bolt) and wire brush. Been fine since. I was looking at new ones at Cabelas. Thin coated metal.