4 of SA’s top crabbing spots
Blue swimmer crabs are delicious. Evolution knows this and has equipped them with tough shells, outrageous pincers and a cranky attitude. Brussel sprouts, on the other hand, are unarmed and can’t run very fast.
There are three main methods for gathering the key ingredient for a crab feast – raking the sand offshore between high and low tide, launching a baited drop net from a jetty or boat, or heading down to the local fish market with a fistful of cash. The first two methods are a bit more fun, plus you’ll get to visit some of SA’s great coastal locations.
1. Thompson Beach
This is one of several crab raking spots along the tidal flats between St Kilda and Port Parham, north of Adelaide.
Head out at low tide, then follow the incoming tide back towards the shore. Wear strong footwear to prevent injury from rocks, shells and other sharp objects on the sea floor.
There’s no need to go much deeper than knee level, and you should avoid walking across the extensive meadows of sea grass. This grows in mud soft enough to suck you down to the centre of the earth or, at the very least, steal your shoes. Crabs can be found by raking in clear sandy patches, and contact with a ‘bluey’ will be evident by the sudden chaos under the rake.
Tidal movements here are extreme, and at low tide it seems like you can walk across the gulf to Yorke Peninsula. If the kids are up for it, this is great day out for the family.
Important note: The Thompson Beach area is part of the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary and is a vital feeding, resting and nesting spot for local and migratory birds, including some critically endangered species. Please tread lightly when fishing, crabbing or driving in the area.
The offshore region is part of the Upper Gulf St Vincent Marine Park and Fisheries Officers regularly check crabbers for undersize crabs and exceeding the bag limit.
2. Suburban jetties
Head down to Adelaide’s suburban beaches and you’ll find drop nets tethered to just about every jetty. It’s common practice for anglers to leave a couple of nets in the sea while they cast a fishing line in search of squid, tommy ruff, or whatever else the local waters are offering up.
Big catches of crabs aren’t as common in metro waters as they are elsewhere, but on a good day you can get a decent feed.
3. Wallaroo
Wallaroo is home to George the giant squid, an 8.5m long deep-sea monster retrieved from a whale’s stomach in 1980. It’s on display at the fascinating Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum.
Although you’re unlikely to encounter a whopper like George in the wild, his smaller, tasty relatives can be caught from Wallaroo’s substantial jetty. Fishing for squid, whiting and even snapper, is a good way to pass the time while you wait to see what turns up in your drop nets.
The first two thirds of the jetty are open 24/7, but the last third is only open on weekends and public holidays, unless there’s a ship in port or one is expected to arrive. If you do manage to throw a net in from the end section, don’t be surprised if you pull up a couple of dinner plate-sized blueys.
A few kilometres away, Port Hughes and Moonta Bay jetties are also well-known crab hangouts.
4. Ardrossan
The best of both worlds, Ardrossan has a jetty for drop nets and shallow waters that are ideal for raking. There’s also a good raking area just north of town at Tiddy Widdy beach.
This part of Yorke Peninsula is legendary in the crabbing world, with many reports of bumper catches.
A stunning backdrop of orange cliffs completes the picture.
Please note: The marine environment is sensitive and it’s important to tread lightly when fishing and crabbing. By observing size and bag limits, we can ensure plentiful supplies of fresh seafood well into the future.