11 Best places to go crabbing in Maryland
Looking for where to go crabbing in Maryland? Crabbing is a popular activity in Maryland, and for good reason – the state has an abundance of crabs.
Maryland has many great spots to go crabbing, including the Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac River and the Atlantic Ocean. Crabbers can use a variety of methods to catch crabs, including trotlines, crab pots and jugs. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these are some of the best places to go crabbing in Maryland!
11 Best places to go crabbing in Maryland
While there are many great places to go crabbing in the state, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to go crabbing in Maryland. So, if you’re looking for a fun and exciting summer activity, be sure to check out our list and head to one of these great crabbing spots!
Be sure to check out some of the best seafood restaurants in Ocean City if you find yourself around there.
1. Point Lookout State Park
This spot is one of the most popular places for crabbing in Maryland because it offers access to both the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. The park has plenty of public docks and piers to cast your nets from, making it easy and convenient for crabbers of all levels. Its also really beautiful with lots of great fishing spots.
Due to its popularity, it tends to get high traffic during the summer months. There is also camping, hiking , fishing and historical sites to see. They do charge a $3 entry/parking fee per vehicle to use the park and beach and additional fees apply for boat launch, but its all totally worth it.
2. Matapeake State Park
Another favorite of Maryland crabbers is Matapeake State Park. Located on Kent Island, it offers excellent access to the Chesapeake Bay and many fishing piers overlooking the bay. It’s a great spot for beginner crabbers, because there are plenty of shallow waters close to shore where they can easily find crabs.
It offers plenty of room for anglers, crabbers and beach-goers alike. Matapeake Pier is a great spot for crabbing, offering plenty of blue crabs as well as some white-clawed and peeler crabs. The best time to go crabbing here is in late spring or early summer when the water is warmer and the crabs are most active.
3. Sandy Point State Park
Located in Anne Arundel County, this spot is popular for its shallow waters and easy access from the beach. It also has a number of crabbing piers that make it easy to cast your nets close to shore. Plus, the park also offers an excellent view of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, making it a great spot for crabbing and sightseeing.
It is also one of the Best chesapeake beaches in maryland to visit with family. An added benefit is if you forget your bait at home, there is a marina store that has supplies for you to get.
There is also swimming, boat rentals, a marina, restrooms and a playground for kids. It does get crowded so if you can, avoid holidays and weekends as you might not find a parking spot or even be able to go crabbing.
4. Assateague State Park
This oceanfront park is located in the Eastern Shore of Maryland and offers some of the best access to the Atlantic Ocean for crabbing. With plenty of public piers and beaches, it’s easy to find crabs here and the scenery is stunning.
5. Hart-Miller Island State Park
Located in Baltimore County, this spot offers access to the Chesapeake Bay and its many tributaries. It’s a great spot for crabbing during the summer months and there are plenty of shallow waters close to shore where one can easily find crabs.
Plus, it’s a great spot for bird watching and a perfect place to relax after a day of crabbing.
6. Jonas Green Park Fishing Pier
This is one of the best places to go crabbing in Maryland. Located in Annapolis, this pier offers some of the most scenic views around with its amazing waterfront location. The water here is calm and shallow, making it perfect for catching crabs from the shore.
With a few simple tools like a fishing net or crab line, you can easily spend an afternoon or evening here and catch plenty of crabs. You can also rent a boat and take a tour around the area to spot even more crabs in their natural habitat.
7. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Another great spot for crabbing is Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge. This location is home to some of Maryland’s most abundant population of blue crabs which makes crabbing here a great experience.
Located on the eastern shore, this refuge offers the perfect combination of marshy wetlands and deep waters, making it an ideal spot for crabbing. For those who prefer to stay on land, there are also plenty of areas where you can do some crabbing right from the shore.
You can make a road trip from Baltimore, MD out of this crabbing trip.
8. Carrs Wharf in Baltimore
This is a great place to go crabbing in Maryland. The access point is just off the Patapsco River, near the Inner Harbor. This location has plenty of fast-moving water near the shoreline, which makes it ideal for catching crabs.
Plus, it’s close enough to downtown Baltimore that you can enjoy some sightseeing while you crab.
9. Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park in Cambridge, Maryland
This is one of the best places to go crabbing in the state. This popular spot for recreational fishing and crabbing has a 400-foot pier with access to deep waters that are home to healthy stocks of crabs.
You can also find plenty of shoreline here as well if you prefer land-based crabbing.
10. Solomon’s Island fishing pier
Another great spot for crabbing. This pier has plenty of room to cast your net, and is one of the most productive areas for crabbing in the state. It is also home to a large number of oyster shells which give you an excellent opportunity to catch some crabs if the tide is right.
The area around the pier also provides excellent habitat for crabs and other aquatic species, making it a great spot to try your luck.
11. Kings Landing Park in Calvert County
This is one of the best places to go crabbing in Maryland. It is located on the Chesapeake Bay and has access to many different types of crabs, such as blue crabs, rock crabs, and spider crabs.
The park offers a variety of amenities including boat launch ramps, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and restrooms. In addition to crabbing opportunities, the park is also home to a variety of other activities such as kayaking, fishing, and swimming.
FAQ on the best places to go crabbing in Maryland
What is the best time to go crabbing in Maryland?
If you’re looking to go crabbing in Maryland, you’re in luck – the state has plenty of great spots for the activity. The best time to go crabbing in Maryland generally depends on the region of the state you’re visiting, as different parts of Maryland offer different crabbing opportunities.
In general, the best time to go crabbing/ the crab season in Maryland is from April to October; however, some areas offer better crabbing opportunities during other months. For example, the Eastern Shore offers great crabbing from May to September, while Western Maryland is best visited from June to October.
Regardless of when you decide to go crabbing in Maryland, be sure to check local regulations beforehand to ensure you are abiding by all necessary laws.
And, of course, always remember to practice safe crabbing practices – including using a net or trap, wetting your hands before touching the crabs, and returning them back to the water promptly after catching them.
What is the best month to catch crabs in Maryland?
The best month to catch crabs in Maryland generally depends on the region of the state you’re visiting. For example, the Eastern Shore offers great crabbing from May to September, while Western Maryland is best visited from June to October.
Where is the best crabbing in MD?
The best crabbing in Maryland is definitely in the Chesapeake Bay. There are many places to go crabbing in the bay, but some of the best spots are around Annapolis and Kent Island.
What time of day are crabs most active?
Crabs are most active during low tide, which is typically in the morning or evening.
What’s the best bait for crabbing?
There are a number of bait options that can be used for crabbing, but the most popular type is probably chicken. Other good choices include fish, shrimp and eel.
About Maryland blue crabs
Maryland blue crabs are a popular seafood delicacy native to the Chesapeake Bay. For centuries, locals have been harvesting these succulent crustaceans for their sweet, juicy meat. Today, you can find the Maryland blue crab in restaurants and markets across the state.
When it comes to cooking blue crabs, steaming is the preferred method. To steam maryland blue crabs, start by bringing a large pot of water and Old Bay seasoning to a boil. Drop the live crabs into the boiling water, cover the pot, and cook for around 15 minutes or until bright red all over.
When cooked correctly, Maryland blue crab meat is sweet and juicy with a hint of brininess. It’s delicious served with melted butter or a spicy garlic sauce. Traditional sides include steamed corn on the cob, coleslaw, and crusty French bread.
When it comes to sourcing fresh Maryland blue crabs, your best bet is to look for seafood markets that specialize in local specialties. Many also offer steamed crabs to go. You can also find frozen Maryland blue crab meat in some supermarkets.
Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or trying Maryland blue crabs for the first time, these tasty crustaceans are sure to be a hit! Enjoy them with family and friends for an unforgettable meal.
How to go crabbing in Maryland
Crabbing is a popular activity on the Chesapeake Bay, and for good reason – it’s a lot of fun! Here are some tips to make your crabbing experience a success:
1. Buy a license.
You will need a Maryland saltwater angling license to crab. Licenses can be purchased online, at sporting goods stores, or at some bait shops.
2. Get the right gear
In order to crab, you will need a crabbing net, a bucket, and a weight belt. You can buy a crabbing net at most sporting goods stores. The bucket should be large enough to hold your catch, and the weight belt will help you keep your net submerged while you’re crabbing.
3. Find a good spot
Crabbing is best done in areas where there is plenty of tidal action – look for areas where the water is deep and fast-moving. The best time to crab is early in the morning or late in the evening, when the crabs are more active.
4. Drop your net
To catch crabs, simply lower your net into the water and wait for them to climb in. Be patient – it may take a while for crabs to find your net. When you see a crab climb into the net, quickly lift up the net and put it in your bucket.
5. Keep track of your catch
Make sure to keep track of how many crabs you catch so that you can release them back into the water later. It is illegal to keep crabs in Maryland without a permit, so be sure to abide by all regulations.
Conclusion on Best places to go crabbing in Maryland
So, no matter what type of crabber you are, Maryland has something for everyone! Be sure to check out one of these spots for some summer fun! Happy crabbing!
