There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling up a crab pot bursting with blue-clawed beauties—unless, of course, you’re the poor soul who just pulled up an empty pot full of seaweed and regret. If you want to be the former and not the latter, you need to get your crabbing tactics dialed in. Lucky for you, we’re about to drop some Mad Keen wisdom that’ll have you cracking claws and feasting in no time.
1. Bait Like You Mean It
First things first—bait is everything. And no, we’re not talking about that sad, half-rotten fish frame that’s been marinating in the sun for three days. Crabs have standards, mate. Fresh is best. Mullet is a top-tier choice, but if you want to mix things up, chicken frames work a treat too. Think of it like a crab buffet—you wouldn’t hit up a dodgy all-you-can-eat joint with food that looks like it’s been microwaved five times, so don’t expect crabs to either. No one wants a feed that looks like a dog’s breakfast!
2. Location, Location, Location
You can’t just chuck your pots in the first bit of water you see and expect results. Crabs are cunning little critters with prime real estate preferences. Where you set your pots matters, and here’s the rundown:
Weed banks & mangrove edges – Crabs love hiding and foraging here.
Steep ledges & gutters – Prime highways for crabs on the move.
Deep holes after rain – If there’s been a downpour, deep holes and ledges become the crabs’ version of a food court.
Fast current areas – If you’re dropping pots in high-flow areas, make sure they’re weighted down or secured, unless you enjoy hunting down runaway pots like a treasure hunt gone wrong. Don’t let your pots go walkabout!
3. Timing is Everything (Tides, Mate!)
Crabs love a good tide shift, and a flooding tide is where the magic happens. As the water pushes in, it brings food and opportunity. Crabs move up into the mangroves and shallow areas, and that’s your window to strike. Drop your pots at the right time, and it’s game on—quicker than you can say "she’ll be right!"
Final Tips for the Keenest Crabbers
Check your pots regularly – Don't be the person who drops pots and forgets them like last season’s New Year’s resolutions.
Keep an eye on your gear – Dodgy gear means lost crabs. Make sure your ropes, floats, and entry points are all in top condition.
Don’t poach someone else’s pots – The crabbing gods (and the law) frown upon that. No one likes a mongrel.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be cracking into juicy muddies faster than you can say "pass the crab claw cracker!" Stay Mad Keen, and may your pots always be full. Fair dinkum, you’ll be eating like a king in no time!