Well, if you ever find yourself down around Pawleys Island, you gotta know one thing, crabbing is what we do ’round here. It’s like a tradition, ya know? Folks from all over come here to catch them blue crabs. I’m gonna tell ya how it’s done, just like I know it. So sit down and pay attention, ‘cause crabbing at Pawleys Island ain’t too hard, but ya gotta know where to go and what to do.
First thing’s first, you gotta make sure you got your South Carolina saltwater recreational fishing license. Now, don’t go forgettin’ this, ’cause they can come after ya if you’re out there catchin’ crabs without one. If you’re over 17 years old, you need that license, unless you’re just usin’ a couple of drop baskets, then it’s all good. But, best to be safe, and just get the license. It’s easy enough to do, and you don’t wanna end up in trouble over some crabs, do ya?
Now, let’s talk about where to go. There’s a couple of places around here where you can drop your traps and get busy. The North Causeway Bridge is a popular spot. That’s where a lot of the locals go, and you’ll see them there all the time, fishing and crabbing. They know what they’re doin’, so if you’re new to it, just watch ’em for a bit. Sometimes, the South Causeway and the Litchfield Beach Causeway are good spots too. Those are closer to the water, so you’re more likely to catch something.
The inlets at the ends of the island are some of the best places to catch crabs. Most people prefer the north end of the island, but honestly, both ends are worth tryin’. The water’s usually nice and calm there, and that’s just what crabs like. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a whole bunch of ‘em in one go. The crabs here are big, especially those Atlantic blues, so you won’t be disappointed.
Now, if you’re wonderin’ what to use to catch them crabs, well, there’s a few ways to do it. You can use the old-fashioned traps, or just go with a drop basket if you’re only catchin’ a few. I personally like the traps. Ya bait them with some stinky fish or chicken necks, drop them in the water, and wait for the crabs to get curious and wander in. It’s like a game, really. You don’t want to wait too long, though, ‘cause them crabs can be slippery and smart. They’ll figure out a way to get away if you’re not payin’ attention.
Some folks like to go out with a net, too. If you don’t have a trap, just get you a net, a good pole, and a little patience. You can wade around in the shallow water and scoop ’em up when they get too close. It’s not as easy as with the traps, but it can be real fun, especially if you’ve got kids with you. They’ll love runnin’ around, chasin’ them crabs all over the place.
Don’t forget, though, if you’re out there crabbing, you gotta follow the rules. South Carolina’s got some regulations in place to keep the crab population healthy. You can only catch so many crabs a day, and there’s a size limit too. Make sure you’re not takin’ too many or the wrong size. If you’re not sure, just check the local regulations. They’re easy to find, and they keep things fair for everyone.
And I tell ya, after a good day of crabbing, there’s nothin’ better than cookin’ up your catch right there. Get ya a nice pot of water, toss in some salt and maybe a little Old Bay seasoning, and boil those crabs up good. Serve ‘em with some butter, maybe a side of corn on the cob, and you’ve got yourself a real treat. Ain’t nothing like fresh crabs, caught by your own hands, right there at Pawleys Island.
So, if you’re thinkin’ of givin’ it a try, don’t be shy. Crabbing here is easy once you get the hang of it, and you’ll have yourself a good time. Just remember your license, know where to go, and follow the rules. The crabs won’t be the only thing you catch; you might just catch yourself a good memory, too. Happy crabbing!
Tags：[Pawleys Island, Crabbing, South Carolina, Crabbing Tips, Fishing License, Blue Crabs, Pawleys Island Crabbing, South Causeway, North Causeway, Litchfield Beach]
