In “You Wouldn’t Believe What Was On Our Crabbing Handline,” the Old Couple Outdoors takes you on a crabbing adventure on the East Coast of Florida. Armed with ring traps, handlines, and chicken bait, they start off catching small blue crabs until the tide comes in, bringing along larger ones. However, their outing takes an unexpected turn when an alligator grabs one of their handlines, bites off two others, and forces them to end their day of crabbing. The video captures their unique encounter with the alligator and includes hashtags like #bluecrabs, #catchingbluecrabs, #cookingbluecrabs, and #alligators.
Back at home, the couple cleans the crabs and takes their cooking session outdoors to avoid heating up the house. Using a new burner, they boil the crabs with potatoes for a delicious meal. Despite the interruption from the alligator, they managed to catch at least 30 crabs under five inches, which they are allowed to keep for baking in Florida. The video provides an entertaining glimpse into their crabbing experience and showcases the beauty of the East Coast of Florida.
The Crabbing Adventure
Getting Started with Handline Crabbing
Table of Contents
Crabbing can be a fun and rewarding outdoor activity, especially if you’re on the East Coast of Florida. One popular and effective method of crabbing is using handlines with chicken bait. As shown in the video by The Old Couple Outdoors, handlines are tied to stakes and mangroves, and ring-style traps are also used. The couple in the video initially catches small blue crabs using these methods.
Using Ring Traps and Chicken Bait
The couple sets up their ring traps with chicken bait in order to attract the blue crabs. This method proves to be successful, as they begin catching a good number of crabs. The chicken bait is attached to the handlines and ring traps, enticing the crabs to grab onto it. It’s important to wait for the tide to come in, as this tends to increase the chances of catching larger blue crabs.
Our Initial Crab Trove
After patiently waiting for the tide to come in, the couple starts to catch larger blue crabs. They manage to catch at least 30 crabs under five inches in size. Although these smaller crabs can still be kept for baking purposes, the couple is hoping to catch larger ones for their meal. The size of the crabs appears to be influenced by the tide, which is an important factor to consider when crabbing.
Catching Small Blue Crabs
Initially, the couple catches mostly small blue crabs. These little creatures are still enjoyable to catch and can be kept for baking. They are agile and skittish, making it a bit challenging to catch them. However, with patience and the right bait, the couple manages to reel in a good number of these small blue crabs.
Effect of Tide on Crab Size
The size of the crabs begins to increase as the tide comes in. This is a common phenomenon in crabbing, as crabs tend to be more active and abundant when the water levels are higher. The couple is thrilled with the improvement in their catch, as the larger crabs are usually more desirable for consumption.
The Unexpected Alligator Encounter
As the couple is patiently waiting for the tide to change, they experience an unexpected encounter with an alligator. The alligator grabs the chicken leg on one of their handlines and ends up biting off two other handlines. This sudden encounter with a powerful and potentially dangerous animal puts an end to their crabbing for the day. It serves as a reminder that when crabbing in certain areas, it’s important to be aware of and respect the wildlife around you.
Alligator Grabs the Chicken Bait
The alligator in the video is attracted to the chicken bait on one of the handlines. It quickly grabs hold of the chicken leg, surprising the couple. The power and speed of the alligator are clearly demonstrated as it effortlessly takes off with the bait.
Destruction of Handlines by the Alligator
Not only does the alligator take off with the chicken bait, but it also bites off two other handlines. The sheer force of the alligator’s bite is evident as the handlines are chewed through. This unexpected turn of events proves to be quite a setback for the couple, as they can no longer continue their crabbing adventure for the day.
Crabbing Post Alligator Encounter
After the alligator leaves, the couple resumes their crabbing adventure. Although they had to end their crabbing early due to the alligator, they are determined to make the most out of their remaining time. To their surprise, the crabbing improves after the alligator is no longer present.
Resumption of Crabbing
The couple in the video decides to give crabbing another try after the unexpected encounter with the alligator. They are relieved to find that the crabs are still active and biting. They cast their handlines and set up their ring traps once again, hopeful for a successful catch.
Improved Catch after Alligator Left
To their delight, the couple starts catching even more crabs after the alligator leaves. The absence of the alligator seems to have affected the behavior of the crabs, making them more active and willing to take the bait. This leads to an improved catch for the couple, bringing them closer to their goal of a satisfying crabbing excursion.
Cleaning the Crabs
Once the couple is back home, they begin the process of cleaning the crabs. Cleaning the crabs involves removing the shell and other unwanted parts, preparing them for cooking. This step can be time-consuming but is essential to ensure the crabs are ready for consumption.
Procedure for Cleaning the Crabs
The couple follows a specific procedure for cleaning the crabs they caught. They begin by removing the shell, starting from the underside and carefully peeling it away. Next, they remove the gills, known as the “devil’s fingers,” and rinse off any remaining dirt. Finally, they clean out the guts and internal organs, leaving behind the desirable meat.
Preparing the Crabs for Cooking
Once the crabs are cleaned, they are ready to be prepared for cooking. The couple in the video prefers to cook their crabs whole, as it makes for a neater presentation. The cleaned crabs are set aside, ready to be seasoned and cooked to perfection.
Outdoor Cooking
To avoid heating up the house on a hot Florida day, the couple decides to cook their crabs outside. This not only keeps the house cool but also adds to the outdoor cooking experience. They have a new burner, which they received as a gift, ready to be used for cooking the crabs.
Avoiding Indoor Heat through Outdoor Cooking
Cooking crabs can generate a lot of heat in the kitchen. By choosing to cook the crabs outside, the couple is able to enjoy their meal without the added heat in the house. This decision allows them to fully embrace the outdoor setting while enjoying their freshly cooked crabs.
Using a New Burner for Cooking Crabs
The couple in the video uses a new burner for their outdoor crab cooking. This new addition to their cooking equipment ensures that the crabs will be cooked thoroughly and efficiently. The burner provides the necessary heat for boiling the crabs to perfection.
The Crab Catch
After catching a significant number of crabs throughout the day, the couple is left with a trove of these delicious creatures. They proceed to sort through their catch and decide which ones to keep for consumption.
Sorting The Catch
The couple sorts through their catch, separating the larger crabs from the smaller ones. They decide to retain 20 larger crabs for their meal, while the remaining smaller crabs will be kept for baking. This allows them to enjoy a selection of crabs that are of optimal size and quality.
Retaining 20 Larger Crabs for Consumption
Among the crabs they caught, the couple selects 20 of the larger ones to be kept for consumption. These bigger crabs are more meaty and desirable, offering a delicious and satisfying meal. Their careful selection ensures that they will be enjoying the best of their catch.
Continued Alligator Disruption
Unfortunately, the encounter with the alligator doesn’t end with their crabbing adventure. As the couple is heading home, they encounter the alligator once again. This causes a bit of disruption and anxiety, but they handle the situation cautiously.
Alligator Chase to Home
The alligator, surprisingly, chases the couple all the way to their home. This unexpected turn of events adds to the excitement and unpredictability of their crabbing adventure. While the alligator poses a potential danger, the couple manages to handle the situation and find safety.
Handling the Alligator Disturbance
Dealing with an alligator disturbance can be unnerving, but the couple remains calm and handles the situation with caution. They ensure their safety by finding a safe spot away from the alligator and taking the necessary precautions. It serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting wildlife and being prepared for unexpected encounters.
The Crab and Potato Boil
With their catch of crabs ready for cooking, the couple decides to have a Crab and Potato Boil. They prepare a large pot of boiling water, seasoned with Old Bay and filled with potatoes and crabs. This flavorful combination sets the stage for a delicious meal.
Boiling Crabs with Potatoes
The couple submerges their cleaned crabs and potatoes into the pot of boiling water. Boiling the crabs allows them to cook evenly and absorb the flavors from the seasonings. The potatoes add a delicious starch component to the meal, completing the Crab and Potato Boil experience.
Timing the Boil for Optimal Cooking
Cooking the crabs and potatoes to perfection requires careful timing. The couple ensures that the crabs are boiled for the right amount of time, guaranteeing that they are cooked thoroughly and packed with flavor. Timing is crucial to achieve the desired texture and taste.
Conclusion
The unexpected encounter with the alligator adds an element of excitement to the couple’s crabbing adventure. Although it disrupts their day and forces them to end their crabbing early, they still manage to have a successful catch. They reflect on the encounter, appreciating the thrill and unpredictability of outdoor adventures. The couple thoroughly enjoys their Crab and Potato Boil, savoring the delicious flavors of their hard-earned meal. They anticipate future crabbing excursions, knowing that each adventure holds its own surprises and rewards.