We're doing really quite well with our '50 Things To Do Before You're 11&¾' project; The Boy is only just 5 years old and has already ticked off 37 of the 50 things! There are quite a few that he just can't manage yet, mainly due to physical capability or maturity. However, when we stayed in West Bay, Dorset earlier this week, there was one activity that was virtually screaming at us to do from the safety of the harbour walls:
Crabbing!
There are families scattered all around the edge of the harbour in West Bay, and the small selection of shops and stalls are ladened with translucent plastic buckets and crabbing lines. As a vegetarian, I was keen that we'd be putting the crabs back again afterwards, and so was relieved when we bought a crabbing net as opposed to a line. We saved the remnants of The Boy's ham sandwich from lunchtime and headed to the harbour walls to start up.
Crabbing seems to be quite easy. We lowered the bucket down first to collect some water from the dock basin for the crabs, then we put some ham under the spring in the bottom of the crabbing net.
Top Tip: Choose a spot that has permanent obstructions, like ladders or pillars. The seaweed will build up around that area and the crabs hide in amongst the seaweed.
We were quite fortunate to catch a decent sized crab on our first attempt, which of course was then a little disappointing for The Boy when we didn't pull up a crab each time we raised the bucket. After about five attempts, an older boy came along and offered us his bait as he was heading home. Funnily enough they prefer squid a lot more to ham sandwich!
We ended up catching nine crabs in total, one or two of them were quite large! The Boy was mesmorised but refused to pick one up. As did I!
And while we were at it, we caught a fish in the crab net as well! That crosses off #8: catch a fish with a net!
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Linking up to Country Kids and The Outdoor Play Party
Fabulous! I'm a vegetarian too and I find activities like this a little difficult – the boys recently went fishing for the first time, but I was relieved to hear that it was a catch and release pond. You did so well, nine crabs! The Boy might not have wanted to pick them up, but he looks fascinated by them x #CountryKids
Now that is a good one to cross off. Plus fishing. I'm sure he will want to go again. #CountryKids
An impressive haul and great that you were able to tick off yet two more challenges! I've never tried squid but I have heard that bacon is good bait too. Thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.
Oh wow that's a serious haul – well done all of you! We used to crab off the harbour walls at home when I was little – always to throw back never to keep, but I remember it fondly!
I so want to take Monkey crabbing and rock pooling – we really do need to live nearer to the sea! #CountryKids
I like crabbing but I haven't dared to take Bob yet as I am scared she would jump off the harbour wall! x
Brilliant! The memories you are creating are priceless. Thanks for your support x
What great fun. Love this x
Wow you got one massive! I would want to try this too! And see how my son would react in seeing them =) #countrykids
Awesome! I love crabbing. We haven't had a go this year and we so must. Thanks for sharing at the Outdoor Play Party 🙂
Looks awesome!
Looks amazing. I love crabbing! I used to holiday at Blakeney with my family. Great memories. X