Where are the crabs in Central Florida?

annsar · September 11, 2006, 12:38:51 PM

I found a great spot in New Smyrna from reading posts on this site. I did catch half a cooler full several times out. I went this past Sunday and caught only a few crabs. Seems the females were abundant and I kept reluctantly throwing them back.

I was bragging to my Jersey visitors about how well we do off the pier on the North Causeway and took them along. We only caught a few blow fish and a sea robin since we also bring along the fishing poles to "catch something".

I wish I knew the best time of day or night to catch crabs so any advise would be appreciated.
I did see others were not doing so well either. The best catch of the day was a man who caught a spiny lobster. It was too big to fit in his cooler! He said the lobster got wrapped up in his fishing line. Now that I know there are lobster that big lerking around, I think I will find a lobster trap to bring along next time!!! The body of the lobster was at least 12 long minus the tenacles. I did not know that Florida lobster do not have claws however.

Does anyone know about catching crabs in the St. Johns River, Lake Monroe? A few people told me they caught large crabs there. Is that possible?

Anyway, anyone with tips and good spots in the central fl area, please, please let me know. I have more company coming!!!

R D · September 11, 2006, 12:44:24 PM

we have plenty of femals down here, if that is what you are catching then keep enough for a mess to eat, last i heard they were catching crabs up at the Buckman bridge and down around Greencove springs

annsar · September 11, 2006, 12:46:23 PM

Where is Buckman bridge? Or Greencove Springs?
Thanks for such a quick response by the way!!!!

Ann

Quote from: R D on September 11, 2006, 12:44:24 PM
we have plenty of femals down here, if that is what you are catching then keep enough for a mess to eat, last i heard they were catching crabs up at the Buckman bridge and down around Greencove springs

R D · September 11, 2006, 12:54:44 PM

Buckman is on the St. Johns just south of Jax.Green Cove Springs is about halfway between Jax. and Palatka just west of St. Augustine, i know thats a long drive, have you tried Mosquito lagoon?

annsar · September 11, 2006, 02:11:56 PM

Actually, I knew of Mosquito lagoon but it does not seems there is access unless you have a boat. I know of JBs Fish Camp that has docks but I dont know if you can use them since it is a restaurant and owned by them. I guess I will take a ride along the length of the river and find what looks like a public dock or pier. I have heard that it is one of the best fishing/crabbing spots in Florida. You information site is wonderful. I looked at the link for life of the female crab stages and it was quite informative. Thanks!

R D · September 11, 2006, 02:18:24 PM

Don't be shy about asking if you can crab off of somebodys dock,all they can do is say no but a lot of people might let you, mosquito lagoon if i remember right has acess points all around it mostly for duck hunters but you need to check about the rules because part of it is federal

tattoo · September 11, 2006, 11:40:49 PM

good luck.

Muslickz · December 22, 2006, 10:41:51 PM

You can crab all over the Lagoon.. I would reccomend The last bridge on 528 heading east. You can pull off to the side and drive down and under it.. off of the south east pilings is the best spot.

If ya need a lil more on Central Florida Crabbing...

http://www.flacrab.com

-Mus..