Crabbing is a popular local hobby in Myrtle Beach. There are a number places to go crabbing. But did you know that you can effectively catch crabs without having to buy expensive crab pots or head into the deep ocean? With a handful of supplies and a willingness to get wet, you can do some good crabbing in Myrtle Beach.
Obtain a South Carolina saltwater fishing license. This license is required for all saltwater species in coastal waters, unless you are fishing from a privately-owned fishing pier, of which there are several in Myrtle Beach. You can purchase your license online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website or at most bait and tackle shops in the Myrtle Beach area.
Find a friend to go with you. Doing this solo can be very difficult; it is best to take a friend to alleviate the frustration of escapee crabs. Just tell your friend you can get him a seafood dinner for the price of a pack of chicken wings. If he takes the bait, you may already be an expert fisherman.
Pick a good pier to go fish for crab at. Myrtle Beach has no shortage of piers. You just have to pick one because it is pointless to try and fish for crabs on the regular shore. The Apache Campground Pier is a popular crabbing location, but they can charge a small fee to go crabbing. One of the more popular local favorites is the Garden City Community Beach Park. The piers there actually have some shade and a gazebo! Although Myrtle Beach water is generally warm, the best time to go is the early spring.
Hit the water with your wading clothes on and a rope around your waist or on a stick. At the end of the rope tie a piece of chicken or any raw fish parts. Those are some of crabs' favorite foods. Locals will give you other types of bait that are legendary in nature (like bull's lips) but raw chicken or fish parts should do the trick.
Wait for the crab to latch on to your bait and slowly reel it in. This is where your buddy comes in handy. Have your friend standing by with a net and a bucket. When you feel the crab tug at your rope, slowly reel the rope in and walk towards the bait at the same time. Go fast and the crab could let go with bait in tow.
Raise the rope in the air with the crab still on it. As soon as your rope hits the air, have your buddy put the net around it and guide it to the bucket. Then have him take the bucket and drop the crab into the cooler. While he's doing that you need to ready your next piece of bait.
