Crabbing

ne of the favorite pastimes at Lake Mattamuskeet for young and old alike is crabbing. There are as many stories about the large blue crabs in Lake Mattamuskeet as there are hunting stories of the 1940s and 1950s when the lake was regarded as the “Canada Goose Hunting Capitol of the World.” 

Hand lines and hand-activated traps are authorized by Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. The owner of a hand line or approved trap must be in attendance at all times. Each person may keep up to twelve (12) crabs per day that are caught in the lake. Crab pots are prohibited.

Chicken necks or fish heads are the favorite bait, tied to the end of a weighted line and allowed to settle to the bottom. The crab will begin to drag the bait away. A careful crabber must gently lift his or her catch into a nearby bucket or cooler. No special skill is required, and a first-timer can catch as many crabs as a seasoned veteran. A dip-net with a long handle is a handy tool for scooping up the catch at the top of the water.

The crabs from Lake Mattamuskeet are perfectly safe to eat. Steamed or boiled crabs are a delicacy to enjoy.

Crabbing is a thriving commercial enterprise in Hyde County, with crab houses located nearby at Swan Quarter, Engelhard, and Rose Bay. However, commercial crabbing is not permitted in Lake Mattamuskeet.