How many Crabs do we really need ?

[rapp414]

There's something I've been wondering for some time.Do we really need a bushel every time we got out ? I split a bushel with a friend from this weeks catch,me and my wife just had our 3 rd meal from them.We still had a few to give away.Are we shooting for a bushel to brag ? feed our ego ? ,I can see storing some meat for winter and I realize crabbing is more fun when you catch crabs,but maybe if we all cut back a little it would help keep the population strong,and really not affect any of us recs all that much.

[tattoo]

maby they would cut back if you did . 

[jack1747]

I've asked myself many times over the last 10 years, what somebody does with a bushel crabs or two each week?   I have been culling out 18 of the best of the breed for a number of years.  Usually sick of crab by the 4th of July.  This year I have 2 more mouths to feed so I'm adjusting the number...  So far this year we have not caught enough to have anything left over to pick and freeze.

[tattoo]

don't feel bad Jack . I haven't even gotten out yet . 

[rapp414]

maby they would cut back if you did . 

Good point Rich,this year I have cut back but not by choice ,But I honestly do try not to get piggish.I was raised by very frugal Italian parents and taught not to waste.I do give away crabs when I have extras.I guess this slow year has me thinking more about it.LIke jack pointed out,you do get tired of eating the same thing all the time,fortunately I make the crabs different ways,so it's harder for me to get tired of them

[rapp414]

don't feel bad Jack . I haven't even gotten out yet . 

Rich,I'll take you out sometime.maybe the Chester.I've been a little busy with drs and moving,but hopefully things will lighten up soon.

[tattoo]

Thanks . i would love to go out with you , let me know . 

[rapp414]

Thanks . i would love to go out with you , let me know . 

Will do Rich

[Seaweed]

I've asked myself many times over the last 10 years, what somebody does with a bushel crabs or two each week?  

Kinda makes you wonder, doesn't it?    What about the recs that go Thurs, Friday, and Sat every week?     Must be REALLY hungry...

[flounderpounder]

No thanks. I like being able to eat crabs any day i want to

[54bobby]

I don't need all the crabs, just the 6" plus ones.

[rapp414]

No thanks. I like being able to eat crabs any day i want to

http://www.bluecrab.info/nutrition.htm       Way too much cholestrol in them,Jeff 3 crabs and you've had your days supply of cholestrol,you need to cut back to 21 crabs a week and have no other cholestrol

[flounderpounder]

http://www.bluecrab.info/nutrition.htm       Way too much cholestrol in them,Jeff 3 crabs and you've had your days supply of cholestrol,you need to cut back to 21 crabs a week and have no other cholestrol

Im over.. I just ate 4  maybe the rest of the dill beans and a shot of the juice will thin it out.. Lol

[rapp414]

Im over.. I just ate 4  maybe the rest of the dill beans and a shot of the juice will thin it out.. Lol

I just had a few days worth myself

[Luna Sea 3]

I caught 86 today.. I steamed half and had a good meal for 3 adults and 3 kids.  I will clean and freeze some for a crab sauce later in the week.  I threw back what I didn't need.  This is under normal conditions though. 

Since I do have pots soaking every days.  I will lift every other day, take the largest dozen out for a good meal, then through the rest back knowing I will have another lift whenever I want more. 

On weekends when I have company coming over for a bbq, then I will cook up a full bushel.  If I have any left, I will give away to my guests. 

[flounderpounder]

I've asked myself many times over the last 10 years, what somebody does with a bushel crabs or two each week?   I have been culling out 18 of the best of the breed for a number of years.  Usually sick of crab by the 4th of July.  This year I have 2 more mouths to feed so I'm adjusting the number...  So far this year we have not caught enough to have anything left over to pick and freeze.

Usually have 8-15 ppl over every weekend. Crabbin for a pool party saturday.. More friends=more crabs needed

[Ron]

This all depends on the individual and how they utilize what they catch.   

In our house, what we don't clean, halve and freeze for spaghetti sauce gets steamed immediately.    After steaming, whatever doesn't get eaten within a couple of days, gets picked and made into crab cakes or soup, and the balance of the meat gets sealed and frozen for later use.     We typically have enough meat or cleaned halves stored at the end of the season to eat crabs and spaghetti once per week throughout the winter, and to have another crab related dish (soup, cakes, salad, steak or burger toppers, stuffed jalapenos, etc.) 1-2 times per week until the season roles around again.

[on the hook]

All depends....I don't go much, so...

When I did go a lot, I had a kinda limit...I Wanted at least a dozen, but 2 dozen would be great and if I had 30-36 that was enough, IF IT WAS JUST ME......Obviously if I had a great day, I would give a few dozen away, but by myself, the MOST I ever kept was 5dozen plus and that was about a good hour of crabbing, so I'd guess if I stayed??

[headbanger]

What about the recs that go Thurs, Friday, and Sat every week?     Must be REALLY hungry...

    And what rules or regs does that break going half amount of time allowed on the water?  Nice generalized biased statement to one group, awesome contribution to the conversation, thank you very much.

[headbanger]

Good question Frank but everyone will have different reasons what and how they do things.  I usually have a target size crab in mind, usually 5.5" as a keeper.  If I am catching good size raise closer to 6", if slow might drop to heavy 5.25 size.  I am catching for myself most times and out solo due to the boat type and size so I do not need to bushel out.  I eat what I can in two days and pick the balance for cakes.  I did not like the frozen meat so no need to me to take more than I can eat fresh.