Using collapsible traps to catch crabs

🦀 How to Catch Blue Crabs in Ocean City, Maryland Using Collapsible Traps

One of the most effective and beginner-friendly ways to go crabbing in Ocean City, Maryland is by using collapsible crab traps. Whether you’re crabbing from a dock, a rented boat, or aboard a local crab charter like the Get Sum, these traps make it fun, simple, and productive to bring in a real Chesapeake Bay-style haul.

Collapsible traps work by laying flat on the bottom of the bay. When a crab wanders in for the bait, you quickly pull the line attached to the trap, forcing it to snap shut — hopefully with a blue crab or two inside. Another popular version is the ring trap, which lays flat but lacks side walls. These require you to pull faster, or you’ll give the crabs a chance to escape.

Pros and adventurous crabbers might even try grabbing the crabs as they dart away when the trap lifts. If you’re up for the challenge, bring a wire crab net and test your reflexes! Whether you’re a seasoned hand or trying crabbing for the first time, collapsible traps offer one of the most rewarding ways to catch crabs in Ocean City — and yes, you just might fill a bushel if you’re in the right spot.

🪱 Best Bait for Collapsible Crab Traps in Ocean City, Maryland

When it comes to baiting your crab traps in Ocean City, not all bait is created equal. Whether you’re using collapsible traps or ring nets, choosing the right bait is key to filling your bucket — or even your bushel. The most common and budget-friendly bait is simple: chicken necks. They’re cheap, easy to find at any Eastern Shore grocery store, and crabs love them. Just remember, raw chicken can carry salmonella, so wash your hands or use gloves when handling.

If you want to step up your game, go with fish scraps or shells. These offer a stronger scent trail in the water, especially when fresh or lightly frozen. You can often find them at local seafood markets like Martin’s Fish Company, or if you’re feeling bold, head down to the docks when commercial boats come in and ask for leftover fish heads and frames. Be polite — no one likes a salty dock crabber digging through their bins without permission!

Whichever bait you use, secure it tightly in the trap with a bait clip or cage so the crabs don’t just snack and escape. Then, get your traps in the water and let the magic happen. Remember: the smellier the bait, the better the bite.

🎣 Crabbing with Collapsible Traps – Soak Time, Pull Technique & Crab Care

Once your bait is secured and your trap hits the bay bottom, the real fun begins. The secret to success when crabbing with collapsible traps in Ocean City is timing. You don’t want to check too soon — or too late. Let the trap soak for anywhere between 3 to 10 minutes. This gives nearby blue crabs enough time to find the bait and crawl in. Wait too long, and they might figure out the escape plan.

When you’re ready to pull, pull fast and smooth. You want the trap to snap shut before your crabby guests can react and escape. This is especially true for ring traps, which don’t collapse — you’ll need to pull those even faster to keep crabs from darting away.

Once caught, sort your crabs quickly. Keepers go in a bushel basket, cooler tray, or bucket — just make sure to keep them cool and dry. Never submerge live crabs in water! It might sound strange, but they’ll actually drown without oxygen. Use a damp towel, keep them in the shade, and get them on ice just before steaming.

Want to learn these techniques firsthand? Join us on the Get Sum and experience the thrill of hands-on crabbing — local style. You’ll fill your basket, learn the tricks, and head home with dinner you caught yourself.

📏 Pro Tips & Dockside Etiquette for Crabbing in Ocean City, Maryland

Want to crab like a local and not look like a rookie on the dock? Here are some seasoned tips and etiquette rules from yours truly — Captain Nick. Whether you’re working the pier, wading from shore, or renting a boat for the day, a little know-how and respect go a long way.

First off, space matters. Don’t toss your traps right next to someone else’s — give other crabbers room to work their lines and check their pots. Ocean City has plenty of crabbing spots, from Northside Park to the 9th Street Pier, so spread out and enjoy the view.

Always measure your crabs — and throw back any undersized or female crabs carrying eggs. It’s not just the law, it’s part of keeping the blue crab population healthy for years to come. Keep a crab ruler on hand and know the legal size limits — they change, so always check the latest Maryland DNR regulations.

Clean up when you’re done. Don’t leave bait, string, or trap parts behind. We all share these docks and shorelines, and keeping them clean ensures the fun keeps going for the next crew that shows up.

And finally, if you’re not sure what to do, book a trip on the Get Sum. We’ll teach you everything you need to know, get you on the crabs, and make sure you’ve got a story (and a bucket) worth bringing home.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Crabbing with Collapsible Traps in Ocean City

Looking for a hands-on, screen-free, and downright fun activity the whole crew can enjoy? Crabbing with collapsible traps is one of the best family-friendly things to do in Ocean City, Maryland. It’s easy to learn, safe for kids with a little supervision, and offers a rewarding way to spend a few hours by the water — especially when the crabs start piling up!

These traps are lightweight and simple to use. All you need is bait (like chicken necks or fish scraps), a dock or boat, and a little patience. Kids love pulling up the traps to see what’s inside — it’s like unwrapping a surprise every few minutes. Better yet, it teaches them about local wildlife, sustainability, and maybe even how to clean up after themselves (we can dream).

Make it a real Ocean City experience by pairing your trip with a crab picnic at Northside Park, a sunset walk on the bayside, or — if you’re feeling adventurous — a full-on chartered crabbing trip with Get Sum Charters. We supply the traps, the bait, and the laughs. You just bring the family.

Remember to keep it safe, follow size and catch limits, and teach the kids how to tell a male from a female crab. Who knows — they might just become the next generation of Maryland crabbers!