When most fishermen think about Cape Cod in July and August, striped bass, fluke, and bonito usually come to mind. But there's another summertime fishery that's often overlooked—and it's one of the easiest, most affordable, and most exciting ways to put fresh seafood on the dinner table.
Blue crabbing is at its absolute best during the heat of summer.
As Nantucket Sound warms into the 70-degree range, blue crabs become extremely active in the Cape's salt marshes, tidal rivers, estuaries, and protected bays. Whether you're introducing kids to the outdoors or simply looking for a relaxing evening on the water, crabbing is hard to beat.
Where to Catch Blue Crabs
The south side of Cape Cod offers the best opportunities because of its warmer, calmer water. Look for areas with marsh grass, muddy bottoms, tidal creeks, and bridge crossings where moving water concentrates bait and crabs.
Some productive public areas include:
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Bass River (Yarmouth)
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Herring River (Harwich)
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Swan River (Dennis)
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Waquoit Bay
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Numerous other salt marshes and tidal creeks along Nantucket Sound
Fishing around the hour before and after a tide change often produces the fastest action.
The Simple Gear You Need
One of the best things about blue crabbing is how inexpensive it is.
Bring along:
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Chicken necks, drumsticks, or thighs
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Five-gallon bucket with a lid
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Measuring gauge
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Pair of gloves (optional but recommended)
That's it. No expensive rods or reels required.
The Classic "Chicken on a String" Method
This old-school technique has probably caught more Cape Cod blue crabs than any other.
Simply tie a piece of chicken securely to your weighted line and toss it into a likely area. Allow it to settle on the bottom and wait.
When a crab grabs the bait, you'll feel the line begin to tighten or slowly move away.
Now comes the important part:
Retrieve the line very slowly. Blue crabs grip bait tightly, but if you pull too fast they'll let go. As the crab comes into view, slide your dip net underneath and lift it smoothly into your bucket.
It's simple, exciting, and incredibly addictive.
Nighttime Can Be Outstanding
Just like many Cape Cod gamefish, blue crabs become much more active after sunset.
A bright headlamp or flashlight allows you to actually spot crabs cruising shallow marshes and creek edges. Quietly walking the shoreline with a long-handled net can produce surprisingly fast action on warm summer evenings. Community anglers also report excellent success spotlighting crabs around marshes at night. You will need a flashlight....
Timing the Tide
Moving water is your friend.
Many experienced crabbers prefer:
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The first 2 hours of the incoming tide
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The first 4 hours of the outgoing tide
Current carries scent from your bait farther and encourages crabs to move and feed aggressively.
Handle Your Catch Carefully
Blue crabs are incredibly strong for their size.
Always grab them from behind or use tongs if you're uncomfortable handling them. Their claws can deliver a painful pinch.
Keep your catch in a shaded bucket without filling it with water. Blue crabs stay alive much longer when kept cool and out of direct sunlight rather than submerged in a small bucket where oxygen is quickly depleted.
Know the Regulations
Before keeping any crabs, make sure you know the current Massachusetts recreational regulations regarding legal size, harvest limits, and protected females. Regulations can change, so it's always worth checking before your trip.
A Perfect Summer Tradition
Blue crabbing combines everything that makes Cape Cod summers special.
It's inexpensive, family-friendly, requires very little equipment, and often provides enough fresh seafood for an unforgettable dinner. Better yet, the action can be nearly constant when you find an active bunch of crabs.
When the daytime beach fishing slows during July and August, grab a bucket, a net, some chicken, and head for your favorite tidal creek. You may discover that one of Cape Cod's best summertime fisheries has been hiding in plain sight all along.