If you’ve never gone surf crabbing before, then I can show you how to go surf crabbing with crab snares. I’ll share with you step by step what I do to go surf crabbing. Check out my short video of me surf crabbing with crab snares below.
Note, you’ll want to review your state’s Department of Fish & Wildlife regulations for all updated rules regarding where and when you can crab, as well as minimum size requirements for specific species of crabs and related bag limits. If you plan to cook and eat crab you catch, you should first conduct your own research regarding crab consumption guidelines and advisories.
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Fishing Permit
I typically buy my annual fishing permit from Big 5 Sporting Goods store. I believe stores like Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods sell them too, call before you go.
Each state has different laws regarding crabbing like minimum size requirements for specific species and related bag limits, so check with your state’s regulatory department for more information. Also, each state has different crabbing seasons and locations where crabbing is allowed, so again check with your state’s regulatory department. If you plan to cook and eat crab you catch, you should first conduct your own research regarding crab consumption guidelines and advisories.
Reel, Rod & Stand
From the research my wife and I did, you’re going to want a 10-12 foot ocean/surf fishing rod and an 6000 (or 60) to 8000 (or 80) reel.
The rod size is self explanatory. The reason you’ll want a rod this size is that the longer rods are more substantial in their construction and you’ll need this because of the weight you’ll be casting and reeling in due to the crab snare weight, snare bait and the crabs you’ve snared. Also, you’ll be fighting against ocean current when reeling the crab(s) in.
The reel numbers indicate size and can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Size relates to how much of a type/test line a reel can hold. Test line is defined as the most weight that a particular line can hold before breaking. Sizes basically break down as follows:
-Small spin reel category
-From 1000 (or 10) can accommodate 4-8 lb braided test line
-To 3500 (or 35 or 350) can accommodate 6-14 lb braided test line
-Medium spin reel category
-From 4000 (or 40) can accommodate 8-20 lb braided test line
-To 5500 (or 55 or 550) can accommodate 10-25 lb braided test line
-Large spin reel category
-From 6000 (or 60) can accommodate 12-30 lb braided test line
-To 10500 can accommodate 50+ lb braided test line
My wife purchased the 10 foot Penn Pursuit III Reel & Rod Combo and we’ve been using it since 2019 and haven’t had any issues. The Penn Pursuit III Reel & Rod Combo we own has a 8000 size spinning reel.
I purchased a different Penn rod and reel combo, but I felt that her Pursuit III rod’s casting guides were better quality and that I could cast further out using the Penn Pursuit III Reel & Rod Combo. I liked the Penn Pursuit III Reel & Rod Combo so much, I purchased one for myself, see pics below.
Below are links to purchase the rod and reel combo or just the reel.
Penn Pursuit III Rod & Reel – https://amzn.to/3c6EkgT
If the Penn Pursuit III Rod & Reel combo above is out of stock, below is another Penn brand rod and reel combo that would work as well:
Penn Battle III LE Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo, 8000 Reel Size, 10′, Heavy – 2pc – https://amzn.to/3pCG7kg
PENN Battle II Combo Black, 8000 Reel Size – 10′ – Heavy – 2pc – https://amzn.to/30bsuzV
If you already have a rod or reel want to buy either a rod or reel separately reel, visit links below:
PENN Pursuit III Spinning Fishing Reel – https://amzn.to/3qo3NYe
Penn PRESFII1530S10 Prevail II Surf Spinning Rod, 10′, 2pc, Medium – https://amzn.to/3dAzLMQ
For surf crabbing, you want a very sturdy stand because of the weight and size of the fishing pole and the ocean current.
Below is the stand we use when we’re surf crabbing:
Boone Sand Spike – https://amzn.to/3ej2mb0
Fishing Line
Current braided fishing lines are braided or woven fibers of a man-made materials like Dacron, Spectra or micro-dyneema into a strand of line. Braided lines often have 1/3 to 1/4 the diameter of mono or fluorocarbon lines, therefore you can fit much longer braided line on a spool than monofilament or fluorocarbon line for the same strength. Braided lines have very little stretch, are very flexible and can be easier to cast long distances.
Based on our research, it was suggested we buy at least a 30 lb braided test line. We actually purchased 300 yards of the 50 lb test of the RUNCL PowerBraid Fishing Line. We’ve been using it since 2019 for surf crabbing and haven’t had any issues with lines breaking or tangling. Below is a link to purchase.
RUNCL PowerBraid Fishing Line – https://amzn.to/2Px2XeQ
You’ll also need barrel swivels because they will make it easier to attach your fishing line to the crab snares, see link below.
Dr.Fish Fishing Barrel Swivel with Safety Snap – https://amzn.to/3v3l7Fc
Below is how I tie my barrel swivel to my fishing line. It’s the same knot I use to tie my fishing hooks to my fishing line when I’m going bass or trout fishing:
Crab Snare
I purchased many different brands of crab snares online. When we found one we liked we tried to order more, but they were always sold out. Sometimes you’ll loose snares because they get snagged on something. So, we moved on and found another crab snare that worked well and has been readily available to purchase online: AirFly Custom Made Crab Snare.
We noticed that the different brands of crab snares all had cages that were pretty similar in design, box shaped cage with a lid on the top secured with a rubber band and hook. But, the other brands of snares were typically smaller in dimensions, which poses an issue for adding sufficient weights to the bottom of the snares and for inserting a sufficient amount of bait in the cage. Also, the other brands typically had a triangle fishing weight or no weights at all. I believe this type of set up can be an issue because the cage can roll around and land on the wrong side and the loops will be flattened. See pictures below.
Based on my experience, I think the snares with weights integrated into the bottom of the cage (melted lead or rectangular blocks) work best because they help the cage bottoms lay on the ocean floor correctly so the loops are standing up and this enables the snares to entangle crab legs and claws more easily. Also, sufficient weight (3-4 or more ounces) keeps the snares in one place at the bottom of the ocean where the crabs are versus being tossed around by the currents. See pictures below. Note, AirFly snares only come with one 1 ounce weight, but we add more 2-3 more 1 ounce weights (see links below to buy extra weights) because the ocean currents can be strong and I want the cage to stay on the ocean floor. See picture below of my modified AirFly snare.
The other important trait of a good crab snare are the loops (snares) that catch the crabs. I believe the crab snares that work the best have loops that sit upright so the crabs will get entangled in the loops when trying to eat the bait in the cage, see picture below. Another important trait of good loops is that the loops are not too stiff. If the loops are too stiff, the loop will have a difficult time closing on the crab’s claw or leg when you pull the snare in. I really like how flexible the AirFly loops are and how easily they close.
Another thing to keep in mind, when you store and transport your crab snares it is a good idea to tie the loops together to help keep their shape (so loops don’t get smashed). See picture below.
Below is the AirFly crab snare that we like to use currently and it can be ordered easily on Amazon:
AirFly Custom Made Crab Snare – https://amzn.to/3cdOrk6
AirFly Custom Made Crab Snare Crab Gauge, Measure for California, Washington & Oregon – https://amzn.to/3dpaa9C
AirFly Custom Made Crab Snares, 2-Pack – https://amzn.to/3EsubIn
AirFly Custom Made Crab Snares (2) Super Cast Crabbing Braided Line – https://amzn.to/3IkS1rN
AirFly Custom Made Crab Snares (2), Standard and Extra Weight and Crab Hawk Rectangle and Gauge and Free Neck Gaiter – https://amzn.to/3pwf6PG
AirFly Custom Made Crab Snare, 3-Pack – https://amzn.to/3EzGBOI
AirFly typically includes extra blue loops with your crab snare in case you loose a loop. But, you can also buy extra loops from AirFly too. Below are extra tools and materials you can order on Amazon to attach replacement loops onto your crab snare and to modify the weights attached to the bottom of the snare:
Flixall Twist Ties Pack of 100 – https://amzn.to/3bkkrnk
AirFly Custom Made Crab Snares Replacement Loops – https://amzn.to/3sU5MF7
ACCRETION 1 Oz Grey Lead Free Adhesive Backed Wheel Weights – https://amzn.to/3bmGrOv
Cable Zip Ties Nylon Self Locking – https://amzn.to/30kGvba
Wire Flush Cutters – https://amzn.to/3v3p8tg
Long Nose Pliers – https://amzn.to/38cTRKD
Wire rope crimping tool and double barrel ferrule crimp sleeve – https://amzn.to/3cc6QgS
We purchased a crab gauge because it is a convenient tool to have because the gauge is set up with the different minimum sizes for different types of crabs that you’ll catch. You’ll want to confirm that the crab gauge you purchase meets your state’s laws regarding crabbing.
AirFly Dungeness Crab Gauge – https://amzn.to/2ObQmgN
Bait
My wife likes to load up the small cage with many different types of bait at the same time. She likes the following types of bait:
-Chicken
-Fish heads from grocery store and/or sardines
-Chicken liver
-Squid
I think this is the secret to catching crabs, using a buffet of bait. You’ll want to make sure you put the bait in an air tight container when transporting, otherwise your car will smell like bait.
Other Equipment
Knife and small cutting board – For cutting the bait and the fishing line too. I have a Camillus Carbonitride Titanium folding knife, it’s relatively inexpensive and durable. I also purchased a leather case that can attach to my belt so I don’t have to reach into my pockets with wet or bait covered hands. See links below.
Camillus Rage Carbonitride Titanium Folding Knife – https://amzn.to/2OusEfL
Leather Sheath for Folding Knife Sheath – https://amzn.to/3bk6mGr
Cutting board – https://amzn.to/3bj4aPs
Disposable gloves (or fancier gloves like the one my wife wears) – Some people, like my wife, prefer to wear gloves when handling the crab bait.
Medpride Medical Vinyl Examination Gloves (Large, 100-Count) Latex Free Rubber – https://amzn.to/3uU27ZQ
The Berkley gloves come in with pink, blue, or red accents, see link below. My wife bought the pink gloves, but I just use my hands to insert bait, then rinse hands with water and wipe with rag.
Berkley Fishing Gloves – https://amzn.to/3ccxyWZ
5 gallon buckets with lid and rope – Storage for the crabs you catch. If you want to place crabs in sea water, then you’ll need a rope if you’re crabbing from a pier or steep shore. You’ll want to put the lid on during transport home to minimize smell. Check with your state’s regulatory department regarding transportation of crabs or fish. See links below for the bucket and rope we use.
Home Depot 5 Gallon Buckets – https://amzn.to/3t0aZLV
Promar NE-100 Poly Crab Line, 100-Feet – https://amzn.to/3kO0UyI
Light – Camping flashlight, lantern and work light if you’re fishing at dawn or dusk or at night. See links to purchase below for the lights we use.
Duracell Durabeam Ultra LED Flashlight 500 Lumens – https://amzn.to/3cbNlFe
Sanlinkee LED Rechargeable Work Light – https://amzn.to/3uZb6ZO
Tap water – I usually bring a gallon of tap water for washing hands.
Rags – For wiping hands after touching bait.
Bathrooms – Some crabbing sites don’t have bathrooms or the bathrooms present are really bad. If the bathrooms are bad, you may want to carry toilet paper and seat covers with you. If you prefer not to use public bathrooms or there are none, you may want to invest in a portable toilet. See links below for options that my family uses.
When we are doing a day trip, we usually go with the toilet seat cover or the Reliance Products Fold-to-Go Collapsible Portable Toilet because they take up less space in the SUV. We use the Hike Crew Advanced Portable Outdoor Camping and Travel Toilet when we go on camping trips.
Toilet Seat Covers Disposable – https://amzn.to/3uV0N9f
Reliance Products Fold-to-Go Collapsible Portable Toilet – https://amzn.to/3kYi7Wb
Reliance Double Doodie Toilet Waste Bag 6 Pack – https://amzn.to/3riPxRL
Hike Crew Advanced Portable Outdoor Camping and Travel Toilet – https://amzn.to/3rrQEOY
WolfWise Pop Up Privacy Tent – https://amzn.to/3qpArsp
You’ll want to get good camping chairs since you’re mostly sitting waiting to pull in your crab snares. Below are the chairs we use on the beach. They are sturdy and have a small cooler built into the arm rest.
Coleman Portable Camping Quad Chair – https://amzn.to/3kT4HKU
If your crabbing spot is far from your car, you may need to bring a collapsible wagon for carrying your equipment and supplies to your crabbing spot. Here is a link to highly rated and affordable collapsible wagon:
Mac Sports CAMO Mac Wagon – https://amzn.to/3qqzP5I
Other Supplies
Below are some of the other supplies I bring when I go surf crabbing:
-Snacks, drinks, water, paper plates and paper towels.
-Beach towels and sand toys for the kids.
-Baby wipes (we bring this everywhere since we have small kids)
Best Time to Go Crabbing
Typically the best time to go surf crabbing is about an hour before and after high and low tides. Why? Check out my article about the importance of slack water, click here.
I hope you learned enough about How to go surf crabbing with crab snares so you’ll feel comfortable about going crabbing for the first time, happy crabbing!