crabs?

[Leftyjeb]

Hi.

Just wondering if there's anyone on here who ever loads up a catch bag with the commonly found red crab that are found all over the New England coast. A well made crab roll is one of my favorite things. I've never seen divers her in MA take them though. I'm curious to get your thoughts. (And I have a MA permit). Thanks!

 

[crewchick97]

We've never caught them diving, but have eaten one's we've gotten as by-catch while hauling lobster traps in Maine. I'm not a huge fan of fresh crab (to much work for the amount of meat you get lol), but they were tasty enough.

 

[Mr.X]

I love crabs, however as mentioned by Crewchick- lot's of work. The species you have pictured above is closely related to the Dungeness crab of the Pacific. Smaller, a little less pretty, sometimes covered with crud and certainly easier to catch. But, just as tasty. I see them every so often in Asian food markets in the Northeast languishing on a bed of ice vs live Dungeness kept in display tanks.

As per regulations - here ya' go: Recreational Lobster & Crab Regulations | Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Guide | eRegulations.com

For more info. about this crab: http://vitalsignsme.org/sites/default/files/content/CN_Cancer_borealis.pdf

Anyway, I just love crabs and used to study them at the graduate level. Too bad we don't get much octopus here.

 

[Goody1986]

I don't seek them out - but when I come across the big ones while lobstering I'll grab them - I think they're pretty good.

 

[Leftyjeb]

Nice. Good feedback. Thanks.