Lake Mattamuskeet

[KrustyKrab]

This Krusty Krab's 1st post, here it goes...

Heard a lot about Lake Mattamuskeet and it's monster crabs. I'm vacationing in Topsail NC in a few weeks and would like to check out the lake. I think I can find it, but where exactly to crab is the question. Are there numerous spots? Can you rent boats? Does anyone use a trot line? Are the bugs really as big as the crabs?

Would appreciate any words of crab wisdom.

Mr. Krabs

[madcrab]

 You can crab from shore or the canal locks and bridges (see other posts for maps)....Lake is 2-3 feet deep (average) and very muddy.....Horseflies the size of helicopters (a bit exagerated)=bring OFF DEEPWOODS (30% deet)....no boat rentals....bring plenty of bait....GOOD LUCK!!! ------Check out my post "Mattamuskeet Tips"

[KrustyKrab]

Thanks, madcrab.

Just a couple more questions.

Tip #1 says bring a map. Is that to the lake or a map of the canals and bridges? I think I can find the lake, just don't want waste the day in the wrong spot. Any chance a salty dog like yourself can give up the exact location of one of those honey holes full of them 9 inchers. I'll be draggin' a couple kids with who have to eat!

[Joe Crabs]

Mr. Krabs, just stick to the main canals, the crabs should be alot heavier when you plan to go and hopefully bigger. Don't drive down the canal roads unless you got a 4x4, you can see what happened to Dave. Just keep an eye out on the little fellows it is a wildlife refuge, and bring good repellant. Browsw through this link, map , Mattamuskeet, publications.

http://northcarolina.fws.gov/ncevents.html

[kevride]

been fishing the lake for 22 years  the lake was desroyed about 8 years ago when thy closed the locks up and allowed no more of the sound water in which cut of all the bait fish and crabs then the droght came and the farmers sucked the lake dry and depleted the oxygen and killed about all the fish and crabs and then about 3 years ago they did a eletroshock for study and rebuilt the laocks and allowed the sound water to flow back in the lake as of now is slowly regenerating of fish and crabs.Now i can tell you the crabs were big back then i caught one that weighed 5 pounds that is no joke the best place to crab is on the causeway across the lake.


good luck

[Steve]

Now i can tell you the crabs were big back then i caught one that weighed 5 pounds that is no joke the best place to crab is on the causeway across the lake.

Got a picture of that monster?? 

We're planning a new forum crabbing adventure for July at Mattamuskeet. Care to join us?

[kevride]

hey;steve

man that was moons ago when i caught that crab i have no pic but i have seen them as big  and  close to that size.Hey explain to me about the crab forum in july at the lake some more details of the event thanks.

    kevin

[Steve]

Check out the pictures from our last two Lake Mattamuskeet parties:

http://www.blue-crab.org/gallery

We're planning a 2005 Lake Mattamuskeet crabbing adventure/crabfest/party the weekend of July 23. We'll all be staying at the Hotel Engelhard.

[fatherofcrabboy]

we are recently transplanted from annapolis and my son is suffering from crabbing withdrawal.  I know it will be better later but is too early to crab and are there any places around new bern. I will travel to lake mattamuskeet if it would be significantly better.

[Joe Crabs]

Well the grog is certainly good.