RECREATIONAL fishers are being encouraged to rethink where and when they set their crab pots if they want to increase their chances of hauling in a prized mud crab.
Experts say placing pots in tidal flats near mangroves and marine vegetation during high tide is key, as these intertidal zones are where crabs head to feed and burrow as the water rises.
Larger tides are especially effective.
As the tide recedes, crabs use the tidal channels to move around, which can increase catch success.
Just make sure pots always stay submerged to protect captured crabs from the sun.
The advice sparked a lively discussion online the Fisheries Queensland social media site, with seasoned crabbers offering their own tips and observations.
“I’ve always found it best to drop your pots at the lowest of low tides,” said Gareth Vincent.
“This ensures you can still retrieve your pots at any tide time and also make sure that the pot is covered by water at all stages.”
Greg Carney agreed, adding: “Low tide is best to sink your pots to find the holes near the mangroves.”
Others shared their success stories, like David Nolan who said: “Got some nice big bucks on the 4.0 metre tides but put my pots way up the back of the creek.”
Meanwhile, the comments section wasn’t without controversy and humour.
One commenter, Glen Blyton, took aim at theft from pots, saying: “Easy solution to catch more crabs. Shoot the pot raiders and sink their boats. That way we all get crabs.”
Another asked bluntly: “Why aren’t you developing a turtle-safe crab pot?” – a nod to growing concerns about bycatch and marine safety.
Others simply raised unrelated queries, such as whether crab pots can be used to catch Moreton Bay bugs.
Fishers keen to stay up to date with the latest rules are encouraged to download the Qld Fishing 2.0 app, which offers access to regulations and catch limits at their fingertips.
