I've caught crabs a simple pleasure.....

‘Crabbing’ in Padstow has been the pastime of youngsters in the town for a million generations, one of life's simplease pleasures.I did this when I was 7 and I recreated this scene with my 12 year old. Next to Padstow Harbour when the tide is in  is a designated harbour fishing area where 99% of those ‘fishing’ are trying to catch crabs on simple hand-held lines. this simple activity comprises of a single fishing line, small weight to sink the bait, a juicy piece of bait (bacon rind, tinned mackerel in oil or, highly recommended – a fish head), no hook needed There are also large net bags available and these are humane as well. Our preferred bait was 'Every Little helps value bacon' mm I wonder which shop that was from?. Mums and dads a more than your average amount of patience  will be needed (and a camping stool is a god send for this)……….. but the children will love it !  

 1 : The kids will want to check their crabbing line every 60 seconds ….. leave the line for 5 minutes, which should give time for the crabs to come out, sniff around and then decide on whether to dine on your offerings or scuttle back under the seaweed……. 

A huge crab

 2 : Despite what others say, don’t be in a hurry to bring up your fishing line …..slowly and gently is the key …. Harbour crabs are very quick to sense excessive or unusual  movement and will go into defensive mode and let go of the bait if alarmed.

Care of the harbour crabs :

Harbour crabs are only small and are not edible. ‘Fishing’ for them provides endless enjoyment for youngsters who are keen to ‘catch..’ Treat these crabs carefully and gently. If you wish to keep any ‘captives’ in a bucket for an hour or more, please put some seaweed in as well because our little friends live at the darkened bottom of the harbour and are not comfortable with sunlight. When your ‘fishing’ is over, please return the harbour crabs to their home, gently and carefully.