With stone crab season open and the never-ending blue crabbing, it is just another day for this father and son team. Their “office” just happens to be Tampa Bay and the rivers that feed into it. An independent way of life–no dealing with cubicles or a boss breathing over their shoulders. They search the “seas” daily to harvest the delicious bounty that the bay has to offer. It is back-breaking work, but a way of life they love.
As they approach their 2018, 23-foot Hanson, which is custom made for stone crabbing, the traps are already in place. It is unseasonably warm, but there is a gentle breeze as they shove off. Stone crab season has just opened and it was time to bait and soak some traps. Stone crabs are a brownish red with gray spots. These creatures are considered delicious table fare. While in season, the claws of stone crabs are harvested. These claws will grow back within a year. The crew has to examine each crab thoroughly. Female crabs with egg sacks must be released immediately. All crabs must be of legal size and all of the licenses and permits must be obtained to fish commercially.
The boat slows as the determination is made to start throwing the industrial plastic traps made specifically for this type of crabbing. Today, they are using freshwater shad as bait. The bait is placed in the trap. The colorful float, containing identification information, is thrown off the boat. The plastic trap follows thereafter. The orange floats are reminders of where the traps have been set. This is not only very physical; the crew depends on new and historical data as to where to place the traps. They must also consider other individuals traps that are already out.
One after another, the traps are being thrown. The senior of the two (Dad), decides it is time to put more out at a different location. With the breeze and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge as the backdrop, it is a sight to behold. Now it is time to let the traps soak (many times, for days) and entice the crabs.
The boat is empty and it heads for home, but this is just half the story. Once docked, Dad gets a chance to rest. Now, it is time for his son to go solo. In a 19-foot handmade aluminum vessel, he will check the blue crab traps. Blue crabs are a delicacy and the beauty of their coloration is second to none.
The traps are made of wire mesh and have been soaking for days. With fine-tuned precision, the boat twists and turns to retrieve the traps. New bait is placed in each trap to be checked again in a few days. Blue crabs fill the basket until the last trap is checked. The boat heads for home where the crabs will be processed and then sent to market.
Thank you Captains Jeff and Hayden Horne of “I Go A Fishin”. Their company offers fishing charters, bait sales, and of course, crabs. igoafishntoday@gmail.com
Copyright: Paul Presson