Family Fun

Type: Nontidal
Region: Eastern
Location: Goodhand's Creek

On Tuesday (6/15), I took the family out in the boat for the first time this year. Our plan was to test the boat out, do some crabbing and possibly some fishing. We decided to launch at Goodhand's Creek ramp located just west of the Kent Narrows. The engine fired right up, and off we went. As we came out of the creek, we observed two other recreational crabbers. We decided to set our collapsible crab traps in the same vicinity. After checking our traps the second time, we began to have engine trouble. Not being able to solve the engine problem, we decided to pick up our traps and head back to the ramp. The kids were disappointed, but we managed to catch one crab in the last trap that we pulled. That one crab entertained the kids until it was cooked. I expect not many people have not steamed just one crab in a pot. My next task was figuring out how to fairly divide that one crab among four kids. All worked out, and while it was only one crab, the kids are anxious to get back out and catch some more. While we were not very successful in catching more crabs, we were only able to crab for about a half hour. I spoke to one guy who crabbed in the same area within the past week and he caught a bushel of crabs in less than 2 hours. This year's crab population is estimated to be the highest since 1997. So, get out and give it a try. I know we'll be back out again soon.