A Perfect Outer Banks Day for Crabbing

By Kristi Valentini
Jan. 10, 2022

The Outer Banks is packed with playful vacation activities, and for my family, catching crabs — crabbing — turned into one of the biggest highlights. You can chase ghost crabs across the beach or tempt blue crabs out of the water with bait.

It takes a little nerve, mostly because of the claws, but the payoff is huge. Every crab we landed set off cheers, shouting, and plenty of laughter. I’m not sure we smiled more at any other point on the trip.

Where Crabs Live in the Outer Banks

There are two very different ways to look for crabs in the Outer Banks. Along the eastern side, the beaches are home to ghost crabs that skitter sideways over the sand before disappearing into holes beneath the surface. Tiny nickel-sized babies can be spotted moving along the shore during the day, while the bigger ones race around after dark.

On the opposite side of the Outer Banks is the sound, the gentler waterway between the mainland and the barrier islands. That’s where blue crabs hang out. They’re the crabs that lose their hard shells every May and show up on restaurant plates as deep-fried soft-shell crab with fries. Unfortunately for the blue crabs, they’re just as tasty once the shell firms back up. Steam them with Old Bay seasoning, break into the shell, and enjoy.

The Best Season for Outer Banks Crabbing

From May through September, crabs are easy to catch in the Outer Banks. And you definitely shouldn’t go home without trying it. You don’t need a license if you’re hand-lining (using your hands and a fishing line) rather than a basket-style trap.

You can fit crabbing into several parts of your trip, or dedicate one full crab-filled day to tracking down these many-legged creatures. Use the itinerary below for one stop or for the whole adventure, with great food worked in along the route.

One Fun-Filled Crabbing Day, Planned Out

NOTE: Every stop on this itinerary is 10 to 20 minutes from the next stop.

Start with warm, made-to-order donuts

Duck Donuts (5000 South Croatan Highway Highway, Nags Head) has its island-famous reputation for good reason. These cake donuts are something special: soft, crumbly, hot-from-the-oven bites covered in icing. Build your own with toppings such as Oreo crumbs and chopped bacon, or pick from the shop’s favorite combinations. Either way, it’s hard to miss.

See what’s moving below the surface

At Roanoke Island Aquarium (374 Airport Rd, Manteo), you can learn about the creatures living in the sound, wetlands, and nearby ocean. Visit the touch pool to pet a sting ray, watch feeding time for the sharks, and take in the beautiful jellyfish and fragile seahorses.

Pair pizza with a sound view

Return to Nags Head for lunch at a pizza spot with a view that’s tough to beat. Nags Head Pizza Company (7531 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head) serves flavorful pizzas and crisp green salads. Take your food outside and eat on the deck facing the sound.

Look for tiny ghost crabs

Make your way toward Nag’s Head Fishing Pier (3335 South Virginia Dare Trail, Milepost 11.5, Nag’s Head). If you’d like beach gear, stop en route at Kitty Hawk Surf Company (3933 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head) to rent boogie boards or surf boards.

Choose a stretch of beach near the pier and watch for what looks like bits of sand sliding around. Those little movers are baby ghost crabs, and they’re ridiculously cute. The easiest way to catch one is to scoop the sand from underneath it. Snap a photo, admire the tiny crab, and then set it free. You can also fish from the pier here; the bait and tackle shop has what you’ll need, including rod and reel rentals.

Take an ice cream break

In the quiet Colington neighborhood, Higher Grounds is a sound-side coffee and ice cream shop (2141 Colington Rd., Kill Devil Hills). Enjoy a scoop of Hershey’s ice cream or drink a milkshake — the coffee flavor is especially good — from the upper deck while looking out over the calm water.

Gather your crabbing gear

Close by, Bill’s Marine (1648 Colington Rd., Kill Devil Hills) carries the simple supplies you’ll need for crabbing in the sound. The setup is minimal: fishing cord and bait are enough to get started. Add a net if you want to keep and eat what you catch.

Catch blue crabs from the sound

Ready to try for the beautiful blue-clawed crabs? Drive south across the Earl Murray Bridge and look for the small parking area on the right. Take the path beside the bushes down to the sound.

Tie bait to the end of your fishing cord and drop it into the water. In just a few minutes, a crab should grab hold and begin eating. Gently draw the line upward so the crab keeps its claws attached to the bait. Hold a net beneath it so you can catch the crab when it lets go and drops. You can keep up to 50 crabs as long as they’re at least five inches across.

Recharge at a tiki bar

Mama Kwan’s Tiki Bar and Grill (1701 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills) is a favorite with visitors and locals, so there’s often a wait. The Hawaiian pork plate makes it worthwhile: the pork is marinated for two days and comes with rice plus a sweet-vinegar cucumber salad. Fish tacos, burgers, and tropical drinks are also on the menu.

Hunt for crabs after dark

For the final adventure, bring a flashlight or use the light app on your phone. Pick a public beach near your lodging, then head onto the sand once night falls.

Watch the ground closely. Ghost crabs up to four inches across will dart over the beach. Photograph them when they stop in the beam of light, or chase them for a little exercise. If you’re quick and brave, try lifting one from the back or sides so you avoid the claws — though chances are good you’ll get pinched at least once. Handle them carefully and always release them, since they aren’t meant for eating. As a bonus, clear nights bring a sky full of stars.

Crabbing is an inexpensive activity that works for every age. Even better, teaming up to catch these spirited little creatures is a memorable way to connect with the people you love — and you might even end up with a free meal.

Author

Kristi Valentini is almost always planning another trip or writing about memorable places she has explored for publications such as Woman’s Day and Good Housekeeping. At Readymade Travel Plans, she shares family vacation ideas, road trip inspiration, weekend getaway suggestions, and her own itineraries.