Indian River Question

[Uncle Nicky]

I recently moved to Delaware last month (1/2 way between Millsboro & Laurel). I've tried a couple of the DNR piers & some bridges with moderate luck, but looking to up the game a little.

I have a 12' jon boat, with a 5HP Briggs & Stratton air cooled engine. It looks as if the closest (& probably highest success) launches to me are Cupola Park & Gull Point/Rosedale. My question is, with the small setup I have, will this be enough boat & engine to try crabbing the Indian River from these launches? Obviously I wouldn't push my luck on a windy day or if a storm was in the forecast. Would Masseys Landing be an option if I stayed near the land & back creeks & didn't try going out into the bay?

Any suggestions on where else a setup like mine would work? I don't mind driving.

Also, if anyone wants to get together & show me any pointers, I'd be happy to meet up, your boat or mine.

Thanks in advance!

[sailortom]

I have a 12' fiberglass boat with a 6 hp Tohatsu, and I crab from Rosedale frequently.  I use captain Bruce topless traps.  As you say, you have to watch the weather.  Higher than 10 knots in the forecast is too much.  I don't feel unsafe,  but running a line of traps in 15 knots with chop is too much in a small boat.  There are good crabbing spots very close to the ramp if you don't want to go far.

That part of the river gets very crowded on weekends.  It can be tough to find a spot, but with all of those boats there is always help nearby.  There are a-holes everywhere, but 90% of the people I meet at Rosedale are great and help whenever needed.  Most of them will chat and give you tips if you spend the time.

You are also fairly close to the Choptank and Little Choptank in Maryland.  I have not crabbed there, but I go to the Tred Avon, Wye, and Miles with pretty good success this time of year.  You can search the Maryland reports from past years for more info.  I think Delaware crabs are the best for taste, but you can't beat Maryland crabs are for size and amount of meat.

Good Luck!