Catching Maryland Blue Crabs with Hand Lines in Ocean City

🎣 Catching Maryland Blue Crabs with Hand Lines in Ocean City

One of the simplest, most hands-on ways to catch blue crabs in Ocean City, Maryland is with the good ol’ hand line. No fancy traps, no complicated gear — just a line, some bait, and a little patience. Whether you’re on a dock, along the shoreline, or even on a boat, handline crabbing is perfect for families, beginners, and anyone who wants to feel every tug, twitch, and nibble.

This technique is as old-school as it gets: tie some bait to a line, drop it to the bottom, and wait for a hungry crab to come sniffing. It’s fun, easy, and often more active than trap crabbing — especially when the kids are involved. They’ll love the suspense of slowly pulling up the line to see if a crab is hitching a ride.

You can use fishing line, waxed crab cord, or even twine from the garage. Add a sinker or any small weight to keep the bait down. Want to keep it tidy? Wrap your line around a cut piece of broomstick to keep it organized — old-school style. Then, just tie off the line to a dock post, railing, or cleat and let the crabbing begin.

Want to skip the setup and fill a full bushel? Book a trip on the Get Sum and we’ll teach you everything you need to know — with gear, bait, and plenty of keepers provided.

🎣 Catching Maryland Blue Crabs with Hand Lines in Ocean City

One of the simplest, most hands-on ways to catch blue crabs in Ocean City, Maryland is with the good ol’ hand line. No fancy traps, no complicated gear — just a line, some bait, and a little patience. Whether you’re on a dock, along the shoreline, or even on a boat, handline crabbing is perfect for families, beginners, and anyone who wants to feel every tug, twitch, and nibble.

This technique is as old-school as it gets: tie some bait to a line, drop it to the bottom, and wait for a hungry crab to come sniffing. It’s fun, easy, and often more active than trap crabbing — especially when the kids are involved. They’ll love the suspense of slowly pulling up the line to see if a crab is hitching a ride.

You can use fishing line, waxed crab cord, or even twine from the garage. Add a sinker or any small weight to keep the bait down. Want to keep it tidy? Wrap your line around a cut piece of broomstick to keep it organized — old-school style. Then, just tie off the line to a dock post, railing, or cleat and let the crabbing begin.

Want to skip the setup and fill a full bushel? Book a trip on the Get Sum and we’ll teach you everything you need to know — with gear, bait, and plenty of keepers provided.

🪢 How to Use a Hand Line to Catch Blue Crabs – Step by Step

Catching blue crabs with a hand line in Ocean City might be simple, but there’s definitely a method to the madness. Here’s a breakdown of how to do it right — straight from the dockside playbook.

First, tie your bait to one end of the line. Chicken necks and fish scraps are crowd favorites, and crabs can’t resist ’em. Secure a small sinker or any household weight to keep your bait on the bottom. Then slowly lower your line into the water until it touches the bottom — and wait.

After a few minutes (3–10 usually does the trick), gently start pulling the line back in — very slowly. If there’s a crab munching on the bait, you’ll feel some weight and sometimes even a little tugging. Some crabs will move your line and tighten it up — that’s your cue to start reeling in smooth and steady.

As the crab gets closer to the surface, use a long-handled wire net to scoop it up from behind. Crabs swim backward, so if you try from the front, you’ll likely come up empty. If you’re working a dock or pier, keep your eyes peeled — sometimes you’ll spot them clinging to pilings, just waiting for a sneaky scoop!

Handlining is one of the most active and fun ways to go crabbing in Ocean City, MD, and there’s no better way to get the kids involved. They’ll love the excitement of every pull — especially when the line comes up with claws on it!

🧰 Gear, Bait & Crab Care Tips for Handline Crabbing in Ocean City

The beauty of handline crabbing in Ocean City is that it doesn’t take much gear to get started. All you really need is a strong line, some bait, and a good net — but if you want to get the most out of your trip, here are a few pro tips.

Line: You can use just about anything — fishing line, twine, or waxed crab line from the tackle shop. For storage, wind it around a short stick, small board, or even an old broom handle to keep things neat.

Weights: Traditional sinkers work best, but get creative if needed. Washers, nuts, or old bolts from the toolbox can all keep your bait where the crabs are.

Bait: The classics never fail — chicken necks, fish heads, or leftover filets. Smelly bait is effective bait. Just avoid anything too soft or it’ll vanish before the crabs show up.

Net: Use a metal crab net with a long handle. Always scoop from behind, since crabs swim backwards. Miss the first scoop? Don’t worry — another one’s waiting down there.

Storing Your Catch: Keepers go into a dry bucket or bushel basket. Don’t add water — crabs need air to stay alive. Cover them with a damp towel and keep them in the shade or a cool place. Want a tip from Captain Nick? “If they’re still snapping at your fingers, they’re still good!”

Want to handline like a local? Come aboard the Get Sum and we’ll show you how to do it right — gear, bait, nets, and local knowledge all included. Just bring your sense of adventure and a cooler for the catch.

📍 Best Handlining Spots in Ocean City + Dockside Safety & Etiquette

If you’re looking for the perfect spot to try handline crabbing in Ocean City, Maryland, you’re in luck — the town is full of public piers, quiet coves, and family-friendly dockside spaces where blue crabs are always on the move. Some of the best places to set up for handlining include:

  • Northside Park Pier (125th Street): One of the most popular crabbing spots in Ocean City. Plenty of space, benches, and room for little ones to stay safe while crabbing.
  • 9th Street Fishing Pier: A great downtown option with easy access and a reputation for producing crabs on both hand lines and traps.
  • Assateague State Park: A beautiful natural setting where you can crab from the bayside and maybe spot a wild pony while you’re at it.
  • Any quiet bayfront dock: Just make sure it’s public or you’ve got permission. Crabs don’t care — they’re everywhere.

When you’re out there, be respectful of other crabbers. Give folks space, don’t block access, and clean up when you’re done. Nothing ruins a good crabbing spot faster than leftover bait bags, tangled lines, or trash.

Safety tip: Keep an eye on kids near the water and always keep your line under control. Anchor your boat if you’re handlining from the water, and avoid high-traffic boating channels where your lines can tangle or get snapped.

Looking for a guaranteed way to crab with comfort, safety, and no setup stress? Book a trip on the Get Sum and let Captain Nick take care of the gear, bait, and best spots — so you can focus on pulling in your dinner!