"Blue Swimmer"
The common range of the Atlantic Blue Crab is from New England to Texas.
The largest populations range from Massachusetts to Texas on the coast of the United States.
Blue Crabs can be found in saltwater, brackish water, bayous, bays, rivers, creeks and the Gulf of Mexico. They are active in warmer water and become inactive (they burrow in deep water) in winter when water temperatures drop below 50-55 degrees F.
However, Blue Crabs can be caught all year (depending on State Laws). Some folks are lucky to have a year around crabbing season! In our cooler climates (Panhandle of Florida) we can expect active crabs again in March and April.
Never try to handle a crab unless you know what you are doing! Their claws pinch very hard and will cause severe injury and pain! Usually, they will clamp and not let go! The only way that I handle a crab with my hand is by holding him tight behind his back two swimmer fins close to the shell . His front claws cannot reach back.
Crab tongs or cooking tongs should be used to handle live crabs. Gloves are suggested.
If you accidently get pinched and the crab will not let go, let the crab hang down-he may release. If he is still pinching, grab the pinching claw and bend it backward. If that doesn't release him, put your hand in a bucket of ice or ice water.
The Atlantic Blue Crab
(Callinectes sapidus)
The Atlantic Blue Crab is typically olive green on the back shell and white on the belly.
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The male Blue Crab has 'blue claws' and a
T-shaped abdomen.
The female Blue Crab has 'red tips' on their front claws and a triangle-shaped abdomen.
They are strong swimmers and travel great distances throughout the waters.
Mating generally occurs in brackish water from February to November with peaks in March to July and in October and November.
Be sure to check with your local fishing authorities for all applicable saltwater fishing license requirements!