CRABBIN’ WITH PITTS!
“Good things come to those who bait!”
Shrimp & Grits Kids Owner Pitts Hewitt was born and raised in Charleston, SC. He grew up on the water enjoying the salty air and soothing sounds of the ocean. From boating to surfing to fishing, Pitts is our resident “go to” when learning about the fun ways to explore the waterways of the low country.
A favorite water activity for kids who live near the marshlands is crabbing. When it comes to catching the perfect crab, Pitts has some great tips on how to get started.
*Notice what Pitts is wearing? Mullet Swim for Men is coming soon!
When And Where To Crab
- At the beach around groins or rocks
- Off a dock
- Low tide when the tide is slack with very little movement in the water
- Drop crab lines in 1-4’ of water
Supplies Needed To Crab
- Chicken necks “catch a crab with a neck and a line”
- String with or without weights
- Crab net
How To Crab
- Rig the crab lines (3 or more lines)
- Toss the lines into the water. Keep the lines close to you so a crab doesn’t let go before you net it.
- Keep an eye on your lines. If a crab is on a line, you may feel the line move.
- Every 3 minutes, check on your lines by slowly pulling to feel for a crab.
- When a crab is on a line, pull in the line 1 – 3” per second. Try not to rush or the crab will jump off the line.
- When the crab is near the surface, place your crab net in the water. Swiftly scoop from behind and beneath the crab.
- Check the crab. ONLY keep male crabs. If female, toss back into the water. Female crabs need to procreate.
- Keep the male crab and all your catch in a bucket full of salt water to keep alive until time to clean.
