How to Make Droplines for Blue Claw Crabs

Blue claw crabs are a delicious seafood delicacy. To eat a meal of blue claw crabs you have two options - place an order from a restaurant or shop, or catch them yourself. Blue crabs are commonly lured out of the water with traps or drop lines. Making drop lines for blue claw crabs requires a simple and straight forward process. Alternatively, mastering the technique of using the drop line is essential to catching your dinner.

Things You'll Need

  • Gloves
  • Measuring tape
  • Poly line
  • Scissors
  • Handle or stick
  • Raw chicken neck
  • Crab net
  • Cooler
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put on a pair of workman's gloves to protect your fingers and hands.

    • 2

      Measure and cut a strand of poly line 3 feet to 5 feet longer than the depth of the water you are crabbing. For example, slice off a piece of poly line that is 15 feet long if the water is 10 feet deep. The extra length allows for tying off the line and easy maneuvering.

    • 3

      Double knot one end of the poly line to a sturdy 2- or 3-foot-long stick. Use a broom or mop handle if necessary. Tie the knot tight.

    • 4

      Double knot a raw chicken neck to the opposite end of the poly line. Tightly wrap the loose string around and tie another double knot to make sure the chicken neck is secure. Tie a small anchor weight 1 foot above the chicken neck - if necessary - for added sinking weight.

    • 5

      Drop the line into the water and allow the neck to sink until it hits bottom. Hold the stick with the drop line in hand, keeping the line taut. When you feel you've caught one, slowly pull the drop line up to not frighten the crab. Scoop the crab out of the water with a net and place it into a cooler just before the crab reaches the surface.