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How To Catch & Cook Mud Crabs
Mud Crabs are incredibly popular, not just in Australia but throughout the world as well, known for their impressive size and absolutely delicious flavour - especially when caught and eaten fresh! Growing up to 100 millimetres in just under a year, Mud Crabs are not only very healthy but are also a great addition to a balanced diet because they are filled with lots of essential nutrients and have a lower unsaturated fat content. Whether they are fried, baked, boiled or steamed, Mud Crabs are an absolute treat to eat around the campfire with friends and family - but you will need to catch them first! As they are generally found in mud flats, mangrove forests, creeks and sheltered estuaries, we will talk you through everything you need to catch and cook Mud Crabs, including a delicious recipe you can try during your next camping trip!
Quick Links
- How To Set Up Your Crab Nets
- Prepping Your Bait
- Positioning Your Traps
- Checking Your Traps
- How To Cook Mud Crabs
How To Set Up Your Crab Nets
Firstly, you will need to set up your crab pot (also referred to as a crab net), which could not be more simple. Begin by unfolding out the crab pot until it is fully extended outwards. Then you will need to prepare your bait, which we will explain in more depth down below and then insert it into the bait bag that comes with your crab pot. Then insert the bait bag (or bait clip) into the middle of the crab pot, which will lure the crabs into the net, and pull the string at the top of the crab net to make sure it is tightened and secure - and that's it!
When it comes to using bait for catching Mud Crabs, you can use a variety of meats such as fresh fish, kangaroo, beef, chicken necks, chicken feet and fish heads. If you choose to use fresh fish, then Mullet is considered the 'Rolls Royce of Mud Crab bait' - they can't get enough of it. Before inserting the Mullet into your bait bag, make sure you quickly scale the fish first and cut it into chunks (using a sharp fishing knife). This will accentuate the natural oils of the fish and will better increase the chances of attracting Mud Crabs. Make sure the bait bag is sitting in the middle of the net at the bottom. If the crab net is placed upside down, then the Mud Crabs will simply pick at the bait from the top - you want them to have to enter the crab pot through the top part and crawl inside.
When choosing the best place to set up your Mud Crab traps, remember that they favour areas where there is a soft muddy bottom below the low tide level. This means your best chances at catching Mud Crabs are around mangroves, creeks, mudflats and various tidal drains along rivers. The best time to go hunting for Mud Crabs is between the months of June and December. This is because this will be during larger tide periods which will carry the scent of bait further through the water, luring in more Mud Crabs. Just make sure to not place your crab pots in fast-running water, otherwise you won't be able to find your crab trap by the time you come back to check it.
When checking your crab pots, you will first need to pick up the crabs, which will require tying up first. Do this by grabbing a 1-metre piece of twine and laying the middle of the twine underneath the crab and its front claws. Pull the twine upwards and around the front of the Mud Crab, running the twine above where the claws join to the body. Now pull the twine out to the front of the crab and through the pincers of each claw. Then pull back on the ends of the twine so the front claws are drawn to the front of the body. Pull both ends of the twine back to the rear top of the upper shell. Now tuck the ends of the twine under the shell and flip the Mud Crab upside down. Pull the running ends of the twine into the centre and then tie the ends together.
The last step is to measure the Mud Crabs you have caught. You can easily do this by using a crab measure, placing one end of the measure on the notch between the two most protruding frontal teeth and the other end to the centre of the posterior margin of the upper shell. Or you can just simply place the crab measure over the middle section of the crab and measure its width from the centre shell.
Cooking Mud Crabs could not be more simple, and is made even easier when using a Crab Cooker & Stockpot Set! Once the pincers have been tied, place them in a bowl of ice-cold water for at least 30 minutes. Then place them upside down on a table. After finding the back flap, drive a screwdriver through the Mud Crab to the eyes from the back plate. Rotate the screwdriver so you can pull the hard shell off from the crab. Now split the Mud Crab in half using your hands, removing the gills and feeder flaps. Lastly, remove all the entrails so that all you have left is the soft flesh and then give it a good rinse before cooking.
- To cook the Mud Crab, place all of it into a large pot that is filled with enough water to cover all of the crabs you are cooking.
- Now add about 100 grams of sea salt flakes into the pot along with 2 tablespoons of honey (if you like your crab sweeter, just add more honey).
- Crank the heat to high and wait until the water starts to boil.
- Add in the Mud Crab and cook for around 14 minutes with the lid on.
- Once they are cooked, drain out all the water and then transfer to a bowl or bucket of iced salt water for a few minutes.
Try This Delicious Mud Crab Recipe On Your Next Outdoor Adventure!
When it comes to catching and cooking seafood, nothing can beat the taste of fresh Mud Crab! Make sure you check out our Adventure Centre for more exciting fishing tips and destinations that you can visit with your friends and family. If you liked our guide on how to catch and cook Mud Crabs, then you might also like some of our other articles for awesome fishing destinations and tips such as:
- The Lure Of Snapper
- Fishing Glossary of Commonly Used Terms
- The Complete Guide To Trout Fishing In Australia
- Murray Cod Tips & Tricks
Find your local Anaconda store and check out our extensive fishing range for your next outdoor adventure
