The Blue Claw Crab is a dominant feature of the Southern marshes of
Louisiana. In season during the summer months the blue claw crab is as
staple a seafood as are fish, crawfish and oysters in Louisiana.
In Louisiana as in other places we have the salt water and fresh water
blue claws.
Now let's get to the facts you can use.
Catching the blue claw crab:
Commercially the crab is caught in wire traps. Recreationally you can
catch them with nets and even with string and some chicken necks and a
net. Crabs are most plentiful around water control dams.
Keeping crabs alive:
Why do you want to keep crabs alive? After they die the meat turns to
mush; it's that simple.
Crabs do not live upside down; therefore put them in the container as
they swim... right side up.
First thing you DON'T do is pack them in ice (hard packed) as this will
kill them. Crabs are not
like fish and shrimp, they MUST be alive to be good.
Here's how you do it... crab fishermen do the same thing, it's simple.
You must prepare by keeping burlap sacks or material such as an old bath
towel in the boat... really hard to do huh?. 100% humidity and cool
temperatures will keep crabs alive for a few days; it's a proven fact. I
used to fish crabs with my dad; I'm not making this up. If you drop the
temperature to around 50º F the crabs' metabolism slows. You extend
their life without food but this only lasts for a few days; they
start to die afterward.
Let's say your catching crabs (if the fish aren't biting) and you're
keeping them in an ice chest. Here are the cardinal rules. First off
while your catching them open the plug to let any water out (you'll
drown them with low oxygen water). Wet them occasionally especially if
it's hot and let the water out of the ice chest (you're keeping them
cool and wet).
Now for transport from camp to home.
Prop the ice chest so water will drain. Wet your burlap or towel and
cover the crabs with it. Sprinkle a a few double handfuls or two of ice
on top just to drop the temperature a bit.. As the ice melts it adds
moisture. If it's going to be a long trip consider wetting and
re-icing...be sure to drain. If you want to keep them good it takes a
little attention.
When treated right you'll save 98% of the crabs you bring home and I
think that's your objective...right?
Here's more info...
Peeling Crabs
Cleaning Soft Shell Crabs
Cooking Crabs
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