How to Go Crabbing
Hooked on Family Fun - Making Memories While Crab Fishing
Let's take an adventure! The weekend is here, and it's the perfect time to enjoy Florida's sunny weather, sandy shores, and sparkling blue waters with your family. So, why not go and make some fun memories? Throw on your tank top and shorts, slather on some sunscreen, queue up your favorite car trip playlist and grab your crabbing gear.
Oh, wait, you don't know how to go crabbing?
Hold up! Don't give up on your epic day of fun just yet. We've got you.
Crabbing, a.k.a. crab fishing, is a popular recreational activity for kiddos and adults alike. Plus, it doesn't take a lot to get started. This beginner-friendly pastime is fun for the entire family, and you get to taste some of the freshest local crabs you've ever had.
We'd love to teach you how to catch your first batch of crabs. We'll ever share some popular places to go crabbing in the Fernandina Beach and Jacksonville.
What is Crabbing?
Crabbing is also known as crab fishing for a reason. Simply put, crabbing is "fishing" for crabs. This activity is so family-friendly because you don't need a lot of special gear. The two easiest ways to catch crab are using a dip net or fishing line and bait.
Yep, that's right. You can literally get some fishing line, bait the end, and drop it in the water. When you feel a tug, pull the string up by the hand, and voilà… crab is served. Talking about knowing where your food comes from. Could you get any closer?
Now, if you want to get fancy, you could get a crab trap. These wire cages are attached to long ropes you can submerge in the water. They range in price, and it's up to you if you want to use one. Personally, we like the hands-on method for the kids. Just imagine the big smiles on their faces when they scoop up one of these sea creatures with their bright colors, multiple legs, and meaty claws.
What Do You Need to Go Crabbing?
Crabbing line and net (tip: bring extra line so you're covered if it snags or breaks)
Bait
Scissors or knife (for cutting line if it snags or tangles)
Bucket or cooler (for storing caught crabs)
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
First Aid Kit (it's smart to have one of these around, just in case those pinchers do their pinching thing)
Strong gloves (for handling crabs)
Fishing License (a valid fishing license is required in many Florida locations)
Delicious food to snack on (Tip: Timoti's Fish Sandwich, T's Wrap, and Baja Box are grab-and-go delights for you to enjoy on your day out)
We told you we'd make it easy for you. With limited gear and some bait, you'll be on your way to catching crabs in no time. Crabs are scavengers and will eat just about any raw meat. You can get chicken, turkey necks, fish, and even clams for your crab-catching claw-fest.
Now you know how easy crabbing is. It's time to grab your gear, get your bait, pile your family into the car, and check out one of these great crabbing locations.
Jacksonville Beach Pier | Image by James Hawley
Places to Go Crabbing
Jacksonville Beach Pier
Stretching out into the stunning sapphire waters of the Atlantic Ocean, this popular pier is a great place to get some sun, people watch, and catch some delicious crab. It’s open from 7 am-7 pm with a $4 - to $5 admission fee for day fishing. This crabbing spot is a low-priced option to take the family. Plus, crabs love hanging out around structures, so you have a good chance of pulling in a sizable haul when crabbing off this pier.
Goffinsville Park
Goffinsville-Nassau River Park is a 19-acre play paradise for the family. This spot has a fishing pier, boat ramp, boardwalk, and playground. Yes, you read that right. The young ones can take a break from crabbing and go sliding and climbing until they're exhausted. Bonus for caregivers: all that playtime might lead to a good night's sleep for the kids and quiet time for you.
This is our most family friend entry on the list. Get comfy on the pier, drop that line in, and the blue crabs will come to you.
Little Talbot Island State Park
This entry has a special surprise for you. If you're the kind of person who likes knowing where your food comes from, imagine catching it on an undeveloped barrier island. That's about as natural as it gets. Little Talbot is full of natural beauty, with a beach that stretches for 5 miles and a diverse ecosystem full of life. If you want to turn your visit to the state park into a day trip, you can pack up your bikes and enjoy the 3-mile bike trails between crabbing.
Congratulations! You're an (almost) pro crab fisher. Get out there and enjoy Florida's tropical beauty with the family. Your crabbing adventure will be a day to remember.
Don't forget to celebrate this incredible day with some wild-caught and local classic seafood delights at Timoti's Seafood Shak.
The famous Crab Burger from Timoti’s Seafood Shak
It's a shell-abration! Treat yourself with Timoti's Crab Burger
After a long day of exploring, stop by on the way home and grab Timoti's mouthwatering Crab Burger. Following their mantra of serving up "good food, fast," all of Timoti's menu items are bursting with fresh ingredients and local flavors. Each bite is a celebration of Florida's coastal bounty.