Catching mud crabs made easy

Recent widespread rain in northern Australia has really stirred up the big guys and they are on the move, making this the perfect time to try for ‘muddies’.

Australia has two types of mud crabs, which are usually brown or dark green colour, with large, strong claws and flattened legs for swimming. They are good eating; there is nothing better than a fresh mud crab on a summer’s afternoon washed down with a crisp, cold beer.

The best thing is you don’t always need a boat to catch them.

Crab traps vary from store to store, but I find the round pots are the best for muddies as they are easy to assemble and sit well on the bottom even with strong currents.

You will also need a float for your trap, some bait clips, and personal details attached to the trap as per state requirements – these vary from state to state, so be sure to check local guidelines.

The easiest way is to buy all of this is in one easy-to-use crabbing kit.

Another useful tool is a crab ruler that helps identify male from female crabs, as well as helping you identify if your catch meets local size limits. Some crab rulers also have blue swimmer crab size checks, handy if you also happen to target this species.

As their name suggests, mud crabs are found in muddy areas such as mangroves and estuaries, and commonly found buried in the mud at low tide.

I find it best to drop the traps as close to the mangroves as possible. If you are trying for muddies on land, it’s best to tie the trap to a tree branch so you can easily locate it when you return to check if it is still empty.

When dropping pots off by boat, I’d advise using a sounder to get as close as possible to the mangroves. Don’t forget to cover yourself in mosquito repellent – you are going to need it!

In my experience, whole mullet is the best bait. You can buy it from your local tackle store for a reasonable price.

I get two baits out of one whole mullet by cutting it in half down the spine with a sharp knife, and then cutting a few slits into the side of the fish to create a better oil stench to attract the crabs.

You can also use fish frames as bait; anything that is odourous will generally catch crabs.

There is no right or wrong on when to check traps other than personal time constraints.

I find checking my traps every three hours is effective, giving muddies enough time to enter the trap but not enough time to destroy it.

If you leave traps in overnight or for long periods, the crabs can ruin it by tearing the trap apart. Even worse, someone will steal it.

Be very wary of crabs once you catch one as they are aggressive and have claws with a very strong pinch grip that is hard to dislodge. A glove is recommended for handling.

All females are to be released, as the breeders are very important to sustain activity in waterways for decades to come.