One of the most tasty swimming crustaceans is the blue crab. Blue crabs are prevalent in inshore waters along the east coast of the United States. Without a doubt, crustaceans consume a wide range of marine life, and it is in combination with a big appetite. For this reason, it is not uncommon to find a blue crab clinging onto a fish hook with bait or cruising the shore, searching for the next passing meal. So, what do blue crabs eat?

The Diet Of A Blue Crab

Unquestionably blue crabs eat a multitude of marine life. However, they are not shy of taking a bite out of landlocked food when the opportunity presents itself. 

When it comes to the blue crabs diet, they regularly feed on oysters, mussels, clams, worms, insects, dead fish, and other crabs. In regards to other crabs, they are most often juvenile blue crabs compared to those that are fully grown. 

Interestingly, oysters, mussels, and clams remain within a closed shell. Therefore the crab is required to open the shell to reach the meat contained within. 

The blue crab is equipped with two incredibly strong claws. Crab claws contain the power to split the shell open, thus yielding the meat within. I have handled my blue crabs and can attest to the power. In fact, I had held a claw in each hand and had the crab pull my hands together. Fortunately, I have not come in contact with the pinchers. However, the pinchers are capable of inflicting deep wounds considering they open shells. 

Alternative Diet Of A Blue Crab

Without a doubt, blue crabs eat more than just marine life. As an avid angler, I drop nets for blue crabs on a consistent basis. 

For this reason, I can tell you that blue crabs eat more than just mussels, clams, oysters, worms, insects, dead fish, and crabs. 

In addition to sea life, blue crabs dine readily on pig’s feet, turkey necks, chicken necks, chicken legs, and more. 

Often, I utilize a ring net and alternate baits based on what is available. However, I can tell you first hand that I watch blue crabs pull meat with their claws before consuming. Therefore, when made available blue crabs have a far more wide appetite beyond sea life. 

Importantly, chicken and turkey meat is the best option for you if you’re going crabbing. Take into consideration how quickly the pinchers slice through marine life, such as fish. The hardiness of chicken or turkey prevents the bait from quickly disappearing from your trap as the result of a crab dining beneath the surface.

How To Spot Blue Crabs In Your Area

Without a doubt, you don’t need to be an angler to spot a blue crab dining. Catching a glimpse of a blue crab in action is easy if you’re local to or visiting a coastal region, especially from Maryland down through Georgia. Here are the steps to spotting blue crabs.

Gather Up Some Blue Crab Food

Visit the local grocery store or bait shop and buy chicken necks or dead, frozen bait fish. Ask the butcher or bait shop attendant for something cheap.

Locate A Dock Or Shoreline Access

Without a doubt, you need to find access to coastal inland waters. Explore public spaces in your area to find a location suitable to feed blue crabs, which can be from the shoreline or on a dock. It should be noted that you must have at least one foot of visibility through the water, or else you’ll never spot feeding crabs. 

Toss Bait In The Water

Once you’re in an area with good visibility, cut the grocery store or bait shop bait into chunks. Once this is done, toss a couple of pieces into shallow water near structures, including oyster beds, rocks, or dock pilings. Unquestionably, blue crabs seek shelter near structures.

Monitor The Bait Beneath The Surface

While you’re in position to look down into the water, keep a sharp eye on the bait beneath the surface. Before long, you’ll attract blue crabs out from the structure before they grab hold of the bait and start eating. 

Now You Know What Do Blue Crabs Eat

Without question, the appetite of a blue crab goes beyond what is found in the sea. Make crab spotting a fun adventure for you and your family. This way, you can watch a blue crab in action as it uses its claws to hold and shred the bait in conjunction with eating. Conversely, if you’re an angler, drop a ring net with a piece of bait and load up on tasty crustaceans for dinner.