Crabbing, Chesapeake Bay Crabs Maryland Crabbing, Crabbing with Captain Marion Kaufman aboard the JadeLady out of Queen Anne's Marina

Crabbing by Trotline

On The Chesapeake Bay Aboard The JadeLady

A day of crabbing begins at 6:00 AM, no later and earlier if possible. All bait and equipment is supplied by the captain on your crabbing excursion.  We will usually travel several miles into an area where the crabbing has been productive. The trotline is than place into the water at depths of 3 to 20 feet, with the line being 1200 to 2000 feet in length. The line is baited every 3 to 4 feet apart with chicken necks. The trotline is weighted to the bottom with 3 to 4 feet of heavy galvanized chain. Attached to the chain at both ends are floats which are than attached to heavy anchor weights to prevent the line from dragging across the bottom.  A roller is mounted off the stern to the starboard side of the boat. As we approach the buoy, we pick the line up with a hook and place it over the roller. As the line rises from the water, be prepared to be quick at dipping as the crabs rise with the baited line. This will be fast action if the crabs are running.  This type of crabbing is fun and enjoyable for everyone. After the mornings catch, set back and enjoy your freshly caught steamed crabs and take in the natural beauty that the Maryland's Chesapeake Bay has to offer.