From May through September, crabbing is a time-honored activity along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. Nothing can compare to fresh Louisiana Blue Crab! They are easy to catch, and the whole family can enjoy the fun. You can even visit Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point to practice your crabbing technique before heading down this All-American Road-designated scenic byway.
If you choose to leave the crabbing to the professionals, be sure to visit the abundance of Southwest Louisiana restaurants serving up fresh from the Gulf seafood. View the online Creole Nature Trail guide for more information about activities and attractions along the trail.
Along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, the Gulf of Mexico and saltwater estuaries are critical to blue crabs. Crabs are typically quite active along the many small bridges that cross the roadside canals. There are plenty of recreation areas to safely pull off the road and set up your crabbing spot.
Remember, you're in Louisiana's Outback, a natural home to many wildlife, including nutria, deer, mink, possum, rabbits, otters, raccoons, bobcats, birds, and alligators. If you see them, don't feed them, and they'll mind their space as long as you mind yours! Don't forget to clean up your area after your crabbing adventure. Properly dispose of any trash, especially bait lines, bait containers, and packaging materials to protect the ecosystem and maintain the beauty of the marsh.
Crabbing is a year-round activity, but May through September is peak season when the water's warm and the crabs are active. The best time of day to go is earlier in the morning or later in the evening, particularly when the water is actively moving, but without an extreme current. Crabs are usually bigger and well-fed on the days leading up to a full moon.
Crabbing is a simple and delightful experience with a short list of necessary supplies. There are only a few convenience stores and fuel stations to pick up supplies along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road so be sure to get what you need before securing your crabbing location. Grab N' Geaux (8510 Gulf Hwy) and Chesson's Grocery are on the East side. On the West side are Grab N' Geaux (7067 Hwy 27 South), Brown's Grocery, and Bayak's Country Store, all providing a good selection of everything you need for crabbing, fishing, and more outdoor recreation activities in Southwest Louisiana.
SUPPLIES CHECKLIST:
Crabbing and fishing twine
Dip net
Crab bait - raw turkey or chicken necks, cut fish, or meat chunks are the best, but any meat will work!
As of June 1, 2022, you must have a license to crab recreationally. In addition to a license, you must also have a WMA Permit (not required if you already have a Sportsman’s Paradise License, Lifetime License, or Senior License) to crab in a LOUISIANA wildlife refuge or wildlife management area (i.e., Rockefeller Refuge in our area). Review the details from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, and come prepared!
