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by Emma Jones Ideas to keep the children occupied: Crabbing and playgrounds t F


he all time family favourite activity in Dartmouth both


past and present has to be crabbing so here’s a round-up of top tips for the most nips! my trusty source of


information is Dartmouth’s own fishmonger mark Lobb, www.wildfooddevon.com – and what he doesn’t know about crabs, well…….


How to catch a crab All you need is a crabline (be sure to choose one


with a net bag and a weight) and bucket. A long handled net is pretty handy too and they’re all widely available in shops in and around Dartmouth. the best crab bait is just a bit of bacon or my children opt for the sausage option (slightly easier to break up too). Simply: put the bait in the net bag and lower the line into water till your bait reaches the sea bed. Leave it for a few minutes, give the line a small tug and if you feel a tug back gently pull the line up. use the net to land the crab as soon as you are able – they’re crafty at jumping off - and deposit caught crab in your bucket filled with sea water. Don’t Forget: be kind and don’t let the crabs sit in the bucket too long and no more than 10 crabs in a bucket! Beware: Seagulls - they love a good crab too! Watch out for: Knotted crab lines – these are any adult’s worst nightmare and can take ages to untangle. be sure to wind in the line carefully onto the plastic handle - you don’t want to waste valuable crabbing time!


A Few facinating crabby facts!!!


● Crabs breathe through their legs! ● A group of crabs is called a ‘cast’. ● A crab’s blood is blue due to the copper it contains. ● Crabs wee through small pores by their eyes.


● The crabs you catch in and around Dartmouth are most likely to be Common Shore crabs


Photograph by Nick Shepherd


Crabbing Hotspots The crabbing hotspots are closely guarded secrets but


here’s our list of top spots: Embankment, Dartmouth – we’ve all been there but the trick is not to get too close to anyone else and I’m told the steps are a particularly good spot! Dittisham – off the pontoon – an old favourite where the crabs make a run for it back into the water if you’re not quick enough and handily close to the Ferry boat Inn and the Anchorstone Café for refreshments. Ferry steps near the Castle, Dartmouth – a little further away from the crowds but it’s a lovely spot and you can tie it in with a ferry ride from the Castle (www. dartmouthcastleferry.co.uk). Stoke Gabriel – reputedly one of the best crabbing spots in the country, either alongside the shore of the mill pool, by the side of the quay or along the dam. It’s an easy place to while away a few hours especially with the river shack Café www.therivershack.co.uk tel: 01803 782520 on your


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