5.0(1 Reviews)5 HR Crabbing & Swimming Trip - Ocean City
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Learn expert crabbing techniques with Captain Dave in Ocean City's Back Bays.Swim in calm bay waters while waiting for crab traps to soak.Family-friendly trip accommodates up to 6 guests with 1 bushel crab limit.
Picture this: you're out on the calm waters of Ocean City's Back Bays with Captain Dave, a local crabbing expert who's been working these waters for years. This isn't your typical fishing charter - it's a 5-hour adventure that combines the excitement of catching blue crabs with the pure joy of cooling off in the bay. Perfect for families looking to get the kids involved in something hands-on, or anyone who wants to learn the art of crabbing from someone who really knows these waters. You'll head home with up to a bushel of fresh crabs and stories that'll last way longer than dinner.
Captain Dave knows every productive crabbing spot in Ocean City's Back Bay system, and he's eager to share his local knowledge with you. The trip starts with setting your crab traps in prime locations - spots that Captain Dave has been hitting for years with consistent success. While the traps are soaking and doing their work, you're not just sitting around waiting. The Back Bays offer some of the cleanest, calmest water you'll find around Ocean City, making it perfect for a refreshing swim. Kids absolutely love this part, and honestly, so do most adults once they feel how nice the water is. The whole experience runs about 5 hours, giving you plenty of time to set multiple trap lines, enjoy the water, and still have time to pull in a serious haul of crabs. Don't forget that cooler - you're allowed to take home up to a bushel of your catch, and trust me, Captain Dave knows how to find the spots where you'll hit that limit.
Captain Dave uses traditional crab traps and chicken necks for bait - the tried-and-true method that Eastern Shore crabbers have relied on for generations. He'll show you exactly how to bait the traps properly, where to drop them for maximum success, and the timing that makes all the difference. The technique isn't complicated, but there's definitely an art to it that comes from years of experience on these waters. You'll learn how to read the water, understand tidal movements, and recognize the signs of productive crabbing areas. All the gear is provided, so you just need to bring yourself and that cooler for your catch. The boat is set up specifically for crabbing, with plenty of space to work the traps and sort your catch. Captain Dave handles all the navigation and boat management, so you can focus on learning the techniques and enjoying the experience.
"We had a fantastic time on the boat with Captain Dave! We booked a crabbing trip and asked if he could throw in a little fishing as well, and he was more than happy to oblige. We caught a few fish, though none were keepers, but we sure trapped a ton of delicious crabs! They made for a great meal that night. I would definitely recommend this outfit—professional, courteous, and a great time on the water." - Zubin
The Back Bays around Ocean City are famous for their blue crab population, and there's good reason why. These waters provide the perfect mix of salinity and food sources that blue crabs thrive on. During peak season from late spring through early fall, you'll find both male "jimmies" and female "sooks" in these waters. The males are typically larger and meatier - the ones you really want to see in your trap. Blue crabs are incredibly active during warmer months, which is when Captain Dave schedules most of his trips. They're opportunistic feeders, which makes them perfect for trapping with chicken necks and other baits. What makes catching blue crabs so satisfying is that they're not just fun to catch - they're absolutely delicious. There's nothing quite like cracking open crabs that you caught yourself just hours earlier. The meat is sweet, flaky, and perfect for everything from crab cakes to simple steamed preparation with Old Bay seasoning. Plus, blue crabs are smart and feisty, so even the process of sorting your catch and handling these guys adds to the adventure.
Captain Dave's crabbing and swimming trips book up fast during peak season, especially with families looking for that perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation. With space for up to 6 guests, it's ideal for family groups or small parties who want a more personal experience on the water. You're getting access to years of local knowledge, prime crabbing spots that many visitors never see, and the chance to take home a bushel of fresh blue crabs. Add in the swimming component and you've got a day on the water that hits all the right notes. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to the world of crabbing or you're experienced anglers wanting to try something different, this trip delivers exactly what Captain Dave promises - professional service, great results, and a memorable day on Ocean City's Back Bays.
Your floating headquarters for this crabbing adventure is a beautifully restored 25-foot MayCraft center console that cuts through Ocean City's back bay waters with ease. Powered by a robust 350HP Suzuki engine hitting speeds up to 40 knots, this boat gets you to the prime crabbing spots quickly so you can maximize your time on the water. The spacious center console design comfortably seats up to 6 anglers and crabbers, making it perfect for families looking to learn Captain Dave's time-tested techniques for pulling up blue crabs from the Eastern Shore waters. While your traps soak, the boat's stable platform makes an ideal swimming base in the calm bay areas. Essential gear includes GPS navigation to mark your best crabbing holes, radar for those foggy bay mornings, and a fish finder that doubles as a depth sounder in shallow crabbing waters. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and provides storage for your fresh crab catch. With plenty of deck space for crab traps, nets, and gear, plus room to move around safely while the kids take their bay swimming breaks, this classic center console delivers the perfect blend of fishing functionality and family fun on Ocean City's productive back bay waters.
5.0 out of 5.0We had a fantastic time on the boat with Captain Dave! We booked a crabbing trip and asked if he could throw in a little fishing ...
Easton