Searching for Crab Pots & Where to crab(easy access) with small child

[Cheetah]

I am searching for two items:

1.  Where to buy high quality crab pots(like the commercial crabbers use)

2.   Where is the closest place to crab from Metro Richmond, Virginia.....that has:
      A.  Easy access(have a small child)
      B.  Minimal fees
      C.  If there are fees(piers, etc.)...that they have some amenities such as bathrooms, concessions, etc.

I know from Richmond.....that the salt water "backs up" from time to time.....and especially now since we have had
little to no rain....I go to the Richmond "Fall line" .....all the time....and the water level is very low now.

I used to fish/swim in the Appomattox @ Hopewell when I was a boy....and I would catch crabs and spots/croakers
when the water level got like it is!!!!  Strange but true!

I am thinking that my best bet with a child is the James River Pier @ NPNews....it is about a 80+ mile drive
and I always take 460 to avoid traffic, more scenic, stop whenever you want.....etc.

Thanks in advance!!! 

§(©¿©)§
      =

[Crabby Crabber]

Most bait shops in the greater Richmond area sell crabbing gear. Call your local one. Bass pro is always a good place to start also.

As for a place to go, Google Gloucester Point pier. Nice family friendly park. There is a beach, picnic tables, bathrooms and a hot dog / bait / stuff store. It gets a lot of fishing pressure on the pier but I have never not found enough room to crab on the lower end (where the water is only 4-8 ft deep).

Don't know how much you intend to crab over the course of the year. Com grade gear is not always necessary. The weekend worrier stuff will work fine and last a long time if you wash it after each use. Traps will be easier to use, string and a net is a great way to get them also. If you do decide to use a "pot" (and you can only use two without a license. Traps, as many as you wish) throw it over the side and leave it alone till you are ready to go. Remember, ONE BUSHEL PER PERSON PER DAY is all you are allowed.

The pier is free but you will have to pay the bridge toll one way depending on which way you travel in.

There are a few other places to crab near Richmond. Use the search window at the top of the page and you will find this topic has been brought up many times.

Have a great day and let us know how you do ! !

[Cheetah]

Hay Crabber......just got in from making a "recon" trip of the James River Bridge Pier......not too many people there and no one was crabbing......but lots of crabs there.....kept catching them on my two fishing rods....must have been hungry.....swallowed my hooks!
Anyway.....seems like a great place to do some crabbing....but I would have to try it before I really know....

I went to Yorktown last summer....and watched from their "beach".....at the little pier there...and no one was catching anything....

I have never traveled to Gloucester Point.....but I checked out your suggestion....and it seems really niche!!!

I really do not like(nor do I ever go!) to travel 64.......due to the traffic problems that happen at the drop of a hat....I always take 460....it probably takes longer....but very rarily......if ever.....is there a traffic problem.....

I like the FREE! part.....and just an FYI....the JRBP....had nothing there.....what a shame....I would thought they would have a sit down outside area for concessions.....it was very dirty around.....again....such a shame......

I am trying to map it out now......thanks a bunch!!!  If I had access....like my friend in Deltaville.......he picks up his CP sometimes twice a day......I would do it.....I LOVE blue crabs!!!  Except that MOST people "steam" theirs.......NEVER for me....I always boil mine!!!  Suck the meat & juice right out....moist....never dry like the steamed ones.....now don't get me wrong....FREE.....steamed crabs is still good!!! LOL!!!

Anyway.....mapping it out...and I definitely will give it a try.......thank you very much!!!!

[flounderpounder]

if you had DRY steamed crabs.....they weren't done right....just sayin.  good luck on your crabbin

[gmubeach]

Just a heads up cheeta, Unless you have a boat you probably don't want to drop a pot off a pier? Glouscester point has good crabbing, but your only going to get a couple..... That goes for most of the public piers.  I mostly fish off the pier at glouscester point. Its got some killer flounder action! If you've got a boat and you want to put out the pots. There are a few areas that are open to the public or just pay for a marina to launch.  I normally only do 50/50 on the rivers in va....