New Smyrna 6-9-2019 Buena Vista Park North Causeway

[SHELLFISH]

I stopped again to check out the crabbing scene. Two crabbers with four oversize ring nets with chicken drumsticks. They said they had been there for an hour and a half and had 12 crabs. The largest crabs looked about 6.5" mostly females as is the case always for this location.
I'm thinking of trying it myself mid week if these rains ever stop!

[tattoo]

good luck, hope you nail em

[booman17]

Thanks for the info.  I have been wondering how that location was producing.  Anxious to hear how things go for you.  Thanks again!

[witch1031]

I stopped again to check out the crabbing scene. Two crabbers with four oversize ring nets with chicken drumsticks. They said they had been there for an hour and a half and had 12 crabs. The largest crabs looked about 6.5" mostly females as is the case always for this location.
I'm thinking of trying it myself mid week if these rains ever stop!

Hi Jim,

The water along that part of the river is saltier than farther south.   You'll always catch females around Buena Vista park.

That's why you see more males down by Oak Hill, the water is more brackish.

[SHELLFISH]

You are 100% correct! Females need full salt water for proper egg development.
That is also why there are more Gators farther south. They don't like full salt water.

Good to see you on the boards! Are you still crabbing?

[witch1031]

Well yes and no.   My mom had both of her knees replaced last year and I was busy with that for the last part of 2018.   

I went out with my son last month.   Just as the crabs starting to bite he got a call and we had to hurry up and leave.  I threw back about a half dozen of good sized keepers.   We were down in Oak Hill but not at Goodrich's.  I never ever catch anything on that dock.

There is a side street near there with a smaller culvert.  You can crab with a dip trap or a line and a net.   I was disappointed that we had to go but it was an urgent teenager thing (lol).

I plan to venture down Kennedy Parkway (south of Oak Hill off US1) and then east toward the Merritt Island Manatee Observation Deck but then cut down one of the side roads toward the lagoon.  It will be an adventure for sure, I've done it once before to go fishing and I know there are some big jimmies out there.  I'll let you know how it goes.