With the exploding popularity of GoPro cameras, the underwater world is more frequently captured by sportfishing anglers. A query of YouTube finds all sorts of underwater videos on crab traps and crab fishing. I find the movements of crabs interesting to watch they are incredibly robotic but also fast, fluid, mobile and sneaky when they need to be.
One of my favourite crab fishing videos shows some crabs blazing across the bottom toward crab trap bait, leaving a plume of dust behind reminiscent of an episode of the Dukes of Hazard.
Other videos show how crafty the crabs are and if they are able to tear off a chunk of bait to eat they may leave the trap to find peace and quite and eat their meal.Some of the crab videos you can learn about different types of bait, observing details such as how many crabs baits draw in, and how tough the bait is and how long crabs will remain at the bait eating before they leave the trap.
Other observations show how the placement of the trap doors are critical to successful crab fishing. Sometimes the doors seize and stay open, allowing crabs free entry and exit. Other times, crabs will come partially into the doors, opening them up and this allows trapped crabs the opportunity to escape. This is more common when the traps are near full and there is a traffic jam at the doorway.
Underwater crab fishing videos give an interesting look at the underwater world, including all sorts of creatures like sole and flounders, herring, rockfish, halibut, seals, and even marine birds. It is amazing to see all of the underwater life in addition to the expected crabs.
Here are a few of my favourite crab fishing videos.