My first Dungy

[Heartsblood]

Thanks again to FC for showing me how, when, what, and where. The "why" is obvious. Fished with a rod, reel, and castable trap baited with nasty chicken. I'm fairly excited about my first catch here. I look forward to more. It's already been a great summer for learning new skills, eating new grinds, making new friends. Good times!

[CP]

Good job!

Now that you’re a veteran crab catcher you may want an easier way to clean and eat them:

Flip the buggers on their back and cut them in half like so (along the line) with a cleaver or good strong knife.



Once cut, grab a half by the legs and claw, pull off the half shell and flick out the guts.  Pick off the gills and it’s clean.  Do the other half and you’re done.  They cook faster when clean and taste better if they aren’t boiled whole.  IMHO anyway.

[h20hunter]

No no no. My way is much better and far superior. I know this becuase I'm online and know everthing!   

First, chuck them on ice while still kicking. Once they slow down grasp one side of legs in one bundle with one hand and brace it down, grasp the lip of the shell with the other and pull that baby up and off. Toss that aside (may want to keep the top shell for measuring if gamie checks). Now, grip both sets of legs, one in each hand and brace your thumbs along the middle line underneathe the crab. Break him in half, swish both halves in fresh seawater to rinse, pull off gills, gender plate, misc gunk, rinse again.

Cook and eat.

[jackmaster]

Damn fine eatn right there

[h20hunter]

Yep, some good color, nice and hard shell. Not those pale ones that make you think of soft shelled 8 inchers that have to go back cause they are full of water instead of meat.

I completely agree with them tasting better when they are cleaned prior to cooking. Go get some more and we'll have a feed.

[JimmyHoffa]

 
You'll be hooked now!

And good on FC with hooking you up with the crabs.

[runamuk]

nonono you split him over a double bladed axe stuck in driftwood on the beach and swish out guts in the saltwater then toss halves into bucket to take up to beach house to boil 

FC that is darn nice of you giving the guy crabs like that 

[C-Money]

So, you can killem then cookem? We buy whole cooked crab and clean them when we get home. I thought they had to be put in the pot alive for some reason.

[runamuk]

So, you can killem then cookem? We buy whole cooked crab and clean them when we get home. I thought they had to be put in the pot alive for some reason.

grew up eating crab and we always whacked em in half on the beach far less mess than cooking whole  havent died yet so assume its ok....I am Norwegian though so who knows  I mean my people eat lutefisk 

[Alchase]

So, you can killem then cookem? We buy whole cooked crab and clean them when we get home. I thought they had to be put in the pot alive for some reason.

So you can hear them scream while trying to climb out of the pot 
 
It is like watching a train wreck, you can't look away!

[lokidog]

If you don't eat them right away.... they seem to last longer in the fridge when you cook them after popping the shell and pulling off the guts and gills.  It also takes less time to cook.

[Heartsblood]

Well this was my second one caught. Two days in a row eating Dungeness for supper. I'm into it! I'm sure after a few more, taking their pictures won't be such a novelty to me...

[gasman]

Thast awsome 

Nothing better then fresh dungee.

I pulled my pots this morning and we had 8 kepers for 3 pots on an over night soak 

Gonna clean um and boil them up in a few min. 

[gotshot]

I am looking to buy my first real boat right now so I can get some of them buggers some day. Congrats.

[gasman]

I am looking to buy my first real boat right now so I can get some of them buggers some day. Congrats.

I use a 14ft aluminum boat and hand load it. We run a 4 horse motor to get us around. I used to use a 12ft aluminum boat and 10ft Livingston yeasr ago.

Don't need much of a boat in the south sound, just stay off the water when you have chop 

[pjb3]

I go every weekend if you ever want to get out, could use the company and have some GREAT HOT SPOTS, always limit out

[BOWHUNTER45]

Making me 

[Heartsblood]

I go every weekend if you ever want to get out, could use the company and have some GREAT HOT SPOTS, always limit out

I live right down the street from you. Well... 'bout 20 minutes down the street (I-5). I'd be very appreciative to go out with you pjb3!

[lokidog]

Here are some pics on how I clean crab.

1.  Grab crab upside down with both hands, copy the one hand shown in pic since my other one is on the camera.
2.  Find a dock cleat, I also used a pic at home, holding crab firmly, jam the cleat/spice into the mouth region of the crab.
3.  Lift by legs so that shell pries off.
4.  Peal tail off from bottom, pull off gills, and rinse. 

Obviously, this is not the best way if you do not have ice to put them on or will not be cooking them soon.

BTW, be CAREFUL, they can still pinch you for a few minutes after the shell has been ripped off.  I was reminded the hard way when my 7 1/4 incher grabbed onto my left middle finger today.   

[C-Money]

Cool pic's! I hope I can clean one some day!

[pjb3]

Cool pic's! I hope I can clean one some day!

U don't have any there?

[C-Money]

LoL! When I get fresh crab, the girl at Harvest Foods cleans them for me! I sure want to catch my own some day. I have always wanted to try over at Westport off the dock. Looks like fun!

[gaddy]

wish i could get over there & do some crabbin. thinking on bringing my 14' duck boat up to unit 7. my bro says he knows a spot. we used to boil em whole when i was a kid so as not to boil out the flavor. had a friend that lived over there years ago & he cleaned em & boiled them in fresh water. not good, very bland.

[MP123]

If you don't eat them right away.... they seem to last longer in the fridge when you cook them after popping the shell and pulling off the guts and gills.  It also takes less time to cook.

Yup, plus you can fit more in the pot without the shells! 

[SemperFidelis97]

I would have to agree with gasman you dont need a fancy setup around here I use my 12ft boat for crabbing far more often than my cuddy.  Most of the water around here is quite mellow hell I use an electric trolling motor as well most of the time.  Pulled 23 in one trap here about a week ago on hoods canal no more than a half a mile off shore in maybe 70 feet of water.

[trippledigitss]

SWEET! Good arent they? And they much better when you catch them yourself vs buying them. 
 
By the way FC was paid back this weekend for his good karma.     I took him up to our cabin in the San Juans and got him 3 daily limits in 2 1/2 days. Went up friday evening and came home Sunday afternoon with 55 dungy and about 6 red rock crabs.    Nice crab too, nothing under 6.5" and tossed back several legal ones at 6.25" to keep ones at 7-7.5 inches and some even close to 8! I'll post a pic or two on a new thread a bit later.
 
Personally I prefer the method of cut in half & clean them then cook. I think they cook faster. But I also think they taste better cooked whole but my wife & kids wont eat them that way - they say they 'dont like them boiled in their own guts & poo...' - whatever, I like them both ways. I use an axe & chop them in half. Only problem is saving the shell for F&G.    Loki's method works good too but they cut the heck out my hands! Then you end up breaking the body in half to clean it anyway....

[LndShrk]

Here are some pics on how I clean crab.

1.  Grab crab upside down with both hands, copy the one hand shown in pic since my other one is on the camera.
2.  Find a dock cleat, I also used a pic at home, holding crab firmly, jam the cleat/spice into the mouth region of the crab.
3.  Lift by legs so that shell pries off.
4.  Peal tail off from bottom, pull off gills, and rinse. 

Obviously, this is not the best way if you do not have ice to put them on or will not be cooking them soon.

BTW, be CAREFUL, they can still pinch you for a few minutes after the shell has been ripped off.  I was reminded the hard way when my 7 1/4 incher grabbed onto my left middle finger today.   

Loki,

I learneda new trick this weekend on that as well. If you lay the crab on that cleat belly down and give it one good whack on the top of the shell it pops right off.. (Eliminates the wrestling match)    

As for fishing for crab. The docks and piers are a good start but if you are limited to shore think about a surf rod and good beaches that people set pots off of. ( The snare traps work good for this).

A few pics from this season so far..

[jackmaster]

we also clean them before we cook them but we also steam them instead of boiling

[trippledigitss]

LndShark - Thats a good idea to crack them and then vac pac the meat only. Storing all my crab is always the biggest problem as I leave legs and body sections together and freeze them that way but there is no efficient way to store them in the freezer. FC broke all his legs off the body sections and that worked well too - but my wife likes serve them in halves and we also think cracking them at the dinner table during your meal is half the fun too - but your way make for killer storage! Might do that with some of them and maybe try FC's way too...

[LndShrk]

LndShark - Thats a good idea to crack them and then vac pac the meat only. Storing all my crab is always the biggest problem as I leave legs and body sections together and freeze them that way but there is no efficient way to store them in the freezer. FC broke all his legs off the body sections and that worked well too - but my wife likes serve them in halves and we also think cracking them at the dinner table during your meal is half the fun too - but your way make for killer storage! Might do that with some of them and maybe try FC's way too...

trippledigitss,
Yes I have tried many methods of keeping crab frozen and have found that Nothing is as good as fresh crab. However. By cracking it and vacuum sealing it you can open a pack in the AM and put it in a strainer container in the fridge and by dinner it is still very very good for the eatings.. However we do so much more than just eat it plane. too. 

Crab & Shrimp stuffed mushrooms
Crab stuffed Salmon
Alfredo crab
Crab salads
Crab baked lingcod
Crabcakes


Just a few of the favorites.. 

[Heartsblood]

Hey Trippledigitss -

Very happy to hear you guys had a great time! I know he was lookin' forward to it. That is very cool that you could style him out on his B-day too. 

[Heartsblood]

ps You guys took 55 crabs and I got my third one today.  Still feel pretty lucky to have had Dungeness crab three times for dinner this week.

[shedcrazy]

No no no. My way is much better and far superior. I know this becuase I'm online and know everthing!   

First, chuck them on ice while still kicking. Once they slow down grasp one side of legs in one bundle with one hand and brace it down, grasp the lip of the shell with the other and pull that baby up and off. Toss that aside (may want to keep the top shell for measuring if gamie checks). Now, grip both sets of legs, one in each hand and brace your thumbs along the middle line underneathe the crab. Break him in half, swish both halves in fresh seawater to rinse, pull off gills, gender plate, misc gunk, rinse again.

Cook and eat.

[C-Money]

ps You guys took 55 crabs and I got my third one today.  Still feel pretty lucky to have had Dungeness crab three times for dinner this week.

What kind of rig are you using? Wonder if it would work over at Westport off the docks?

[gasman]

ps You guys took 55 crabs and I got my third one today.  Still feel pretty lucky to have had Dungeness crab three times for dinner this week.

What kind of rig are you using? Wonder if it would work over at Westport off the docks?

The only bad thing about Westport, is it is hit hard many people and you could spend many hours trying to get a limit 

[trippledigitss]

Hey Trippledigitss -

Very happy to hear you guys had a great time! I know he was lookin' forward to it. That is very cool that you could style him out on his B-day too. 

Well hit ol FC up when your 3rd one is gone - he has plenty to have you over for dinner a few nights!!    Yeah I kept forgetting it was his birthday even after he told me. I didnt have a decent present for him since I found out last minute so the least I could do was let him pull up all the pots and clean all the crab!    And he never complained once!

[FC]

I tell ya I felt like I had to do everything! Hook buoys, pull every fifth pot, clean the crab, cook the crab, piss in the gas tank... 

[Lincoln4]

ps You guys took 55 crabs and I got my third one today.  Still feel pretty lucky to have had Dungeness crab three times for dinner this week.

What kind of rig are you using? Wonder if it would work over at Westport off the docks?

The only bad thing about Westport, is it is hit hard many people and you could spend many hours trying to get a limit 

I came in from bottomfishing yesterday, and was simply amazed by the number of folks crabbing from the docks!

[Heartsblood]

What kind of rig are you using? Wonder if it would work over at Westport off the docks?

I'm using a quantum runner 70 spinning reel combo. About $45 bucks worth. Then I have a Danielson Crab Jaw tied to the mainline - another $15 bucks. I have 50lb powerline spooled on my set-up. That's it. Cheap but pretty effective. My guess is that it will work @ westport. Hell, I'd like to give it a shot. It's a lot of fun! I basically copied FC's set-up. I am seriously considering getting a hoop or a cage or both tho'. Just to mix it up and add to my potential success. That's gonna be a few more dineros tho'...

[trippledigitss]

What kind of rig are you using? Wonder if it would work over at Westport off the docks?

I'm using a quantum runner 70 spinning reel combo. About $45 bucks worth. Then I have a Danielson Crab Jaw tied to the mainline - another $15 bucks. I have 50lb powerline spooled on my set-up. That's it. Cheap but pretty effective. My guess is that it will work @ westport. Hell, I'd like to give it a shot. It's a lot of fun! I basically copied FC's set-up. I am seriously considering getting a hoop or a cage or both tho'. Just to mix it up and add to my potential success. That's gonna be a few more dineros tho'...

3 Rivers has the whole pot setup, pot, bouy, bait cage, and 75' feet of line for $30 (nylon non-sinking with bait bag) $35 (nylon non-sinking bait cage) and $50, (leaded sinking line & bait cage) Awesome deal - I bought one of the $50 and it worked great. I'm gonna get 2-3 more to keep at home since all the other ones stay up at the island.

[Heartsblood]

3 Rivers has the whole pot setup, pot, bouy, bait cage, and 75' feet of line for $30 (nylon non-sinking with bait bag) $35 (nylon non-sinking bait cage) and $50, (leaded sinking line & bait cage) Awesome deal - I bought one of the $50 and it worked great. I'm gonna get 2-3 more to keep at home since all the other ones stay up at the island.

Oh schite man. That's right - you're in Woodinville. Haha! So am I for 40-50 hours a week. Ima hafta go check out 3 rivers. Y'know they used to be located right across from our shop. Their new location is soooo much better for them. It used to be such a mess over here - too little room for too many boats! 

[trippledigitss]

Where was their old shop at, in Bothell? I think they have been in the current spot since  moved up here from Des Moines about 6-7yrs ago now. You live in Bothell & work in Woodinville? Opposite for me, I live in Woodinville (well, mailing address at least, its really unincorp Sno Co) and work in Bothell.

[Heartsblood]

Where was their old shop at, in Bothell? I think they have been in the current spot since  moved up here from Des Moines about 6-7yrs ago now. You live in Bothell & work in Woodinville? Opposite for me, I live in Woodinville (well, mailing address at least, its really unincorp Sno Co) and work in Bothell.

No, they used to be located at the end of the road past Mclendons and Georgia Pac - where I sit and type this post currently. Wow. That was 6 years ago already? Damn. 178th st in Woodinville. We used to have a not so friendly rivalry. Haha. But I did get along with most of the crew at the time. Scott can be fairly intense as a boss tho' and I can be likewise. So it was more likely a clash of the wills. I hear he's a good dude on the water tho'. Just hard to work for (with?). I hear Ican be a hard ass to work for work too.

Thanks for the tip on the cages - I'll check 'em out.