Crabbing 101: Handlining

Catch $200 Worth of Blue Crabs for Under $20! Do you want to know how to catch a cooler full of jumbo blue crabs without a boat, without expensive traps, and without spending a fortune at the seafood market? In this episode of Crabbing 101, I'm going to show you how I catch over $200 worth of fresh blue crabs for LESS THAN $20! If you've ever priced blue crabs at the store or a restaurant, you know they are going for $40-$60+ a dozen right now. I'm going to show you my super simple, super cheap handline system that anyone can do from a dock, pier, seawall, or creek bank. This is perfect for beginners, kids, and families. MY UNDER $20 CRABBING KIT BREAKDOWN: You don't need fancy gear. All I used for this entire catch was: A Small Fishing Net / Dip Net - ($10 at Walmart) You need this to scoop the crab up once you get him to the surface. Some String or Bank Line - ($4) I prefer tarred bank line because it doesn't tangle and holds up in saltwater, but any strong string, mason line, or cheap cord will work. We will cut them into 8-10 foot handlines. A Pack of Chicken - ($5) Chicken necks are the classic, but drumsticks, thighs, and backs work even better because they stay on the line. One pack will give you 10-12 baits. That's it. For under $20, you have everything you need to start crabbing today. IN THIS VIDEO YOU WILL LEARN: In this complete guide to handlining for blue crabs, I cover everything step-by-step: How to tie the perfect handline rig that keeps your chicken on the bottom and crabs can't steal it The best knots for bank line and chicken necks How to set up your handlines for maximum success How to use handlines: How to feel the bite, how to slowly pull the crab in without spooking it, and how to net it like a pro (this is where most beginners lose them!) Best tides, times, and locations to find blue crabs in the Carolinas and along the entire East Coast SC DNR blue crab regulations, size limits, and what to keep vs. throw back How to keep your crabs alive and fresh until you get home to cook them This is the oldest, cheapest, and most fun way to catch blue crabs. No boat needed! I caught all the crabs in this video in less than 2 hours from a public dock right here in the Lowcountry. Whether you're in Charleston, SC, Myrtle Beach, Outer Banks, NC, Chesapeake Bay, or anywhere blue crabs live — this method WILL work for you. GEAR IN THIS VIDEO: Nylon Bank Line: https://amzn.to/4fduD1S Dip Net: https://amzn.to/44JxSrW Chicken Necks / Drumsticks - Your local grocery store If this video helps you put crabs on the table, please do me a huge favor and HIT THAT LIKE BUTTON, SUBSCRIBE to Carolina Outdoorsman, and click the BELL so you don't miss the next episode where I show you how to clean and cook them Lowcountry style! Have you ever tried handlining? Drop a comment below and let me know where you're crabbing from! Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @carolinaoutdoorsman   Gain ad-free access to all my content on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CarolinaOutdoorsman Get all of your favorite Carolina Outdoorsman merchandise here: carolina-outdoorsman.printify.me If you love the outdoor adventures, fishing, crabbing, and bushcraft videos, you can now support the journey here: buymeacoffee.com/CarolinaOutdoorsman 🎣🔥 Your support helps keep the gear ready and the adventures rolling — and I appreciate every single one of you. 🙌 Links to other equipment I use below. Equipment: Two-Ring Wire Crab Net https://amzn.to/3TH6sx2 Marine Utility Cord https://amzn.to/48CR6yD Pyramid Sinkers 4 oz https://amzn.to/3wuMBsD Crabbing Tongs https://amzn.to/3P3WNi9 #CatchingBlueCrabs #CrabbingForBeginners #BlueCrabs #CatchAndCook #SCCrabbing #HowToCrab #CatchCleanAndCook #TidalStreamBlueCrabs #Crabbing #WinterCrabbing #SoManyCrabs #WeeklyAdventure #Crabbing #Crabs #GoPro #4Patriots #Leatherman