As Dorset is home to many harbours, piers and beaches, crabbing in Dorset is a very popular activity. Crabbing is also a great inexpensive day out for all the family. Once you have the basic supplies, you can save them to re-use again and again, only having to buy bait if there isn’t anything suitable at home.
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What Do You Need To Go Crabbing
The basic list for going crabbing are a bucket to store your crabs in, a net to catch the crabs as you bring them out of the water, a crabbing line, bait bag and some bait.
Buy your crab drop net and line here
Generally the majority of locations that are popular for crabbing in Dorset will offer a supply shop to be able to purchase everything you need. However you can use alternatives to make your day out even cheaper.
Some of the best bait for crabbing that we have found is raw bacon. The cheaper the better as it’s going in the water. Cut it up at home and store it in a food bag to keep the seagulls away!
The gift shops will often sell mackerel which also works well, but can work out to be expensive when you buy on site.
A crab line consists of a long fishing line on a reel with some weights and a drawstring pouch for the bait to sit in. This is worth purchasing, but you can often buy it cheaper online before you go.
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When Is The Best Time To Go Crabbing
Generally the best time to go crabbing is just before high tide and then up to two hours after high tide. As the water moves faster with the tide, it encourages the crabs to be active and then you should have more luck.
The best time to go crabbing is during the Summer months when the weather and water is warmer. During the Winter when the water is colder you will find that the crabs will burrow to protect themselves and you may not catch as many.
Buy your crab drop net and line here
Where To Go Crabbing In Dorset
If you’re local to Dorset or visiting, these are some of the great places in the county to go crabbing.
Mudeford Quay
Christchurch, BH23 4AB
Crabbing in Bournemouth at Mudeford Quay can be done alongside the main Mudeford Carpark where there are plenty of safety rails available. These rails are great for anchoring your line and preventing parents from worrying too much about young children.
There is a bait shop right at the end of the car park selling everything you need if you are purchasing your equipment or have forgotten anything.
This is a popular spot for crabbing in Dorset, and you may be competing with plenty of other families next to you for your crabs.
A five minute walk away you can also go crabbing along the harbour wall. There are no safety rails here which you will notice before you set up.
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Kimmeridge Bay
The Toll Hut, Kimmeridge Approach Road, Kimmeridge, Wareham BH20 5PF
Crabbing at Kimmeridge Bay is a popular reason for visiting Kimmeridge itself. Parking is available via a toll road, currently charged at £6.
Whilst the best time to catch crabs is in high tide, at Kimmeridge, the ledges and rocks aren’t accessible at high tide so do check times before you go.
Crabs can be caught off the edge of the rocky ledge area to the left hand side of the bay, which is also a great place to find rock pools.
Related Post – Visiting Kimmeridge Bay
Weymouth Harbour
13 Custom House Quay, Weymouth, DT4 8BG
The best place to go crabbing in Weymouth is along the harbour It is a popular place to go crabbing so expect it to be busy during peak times. Parking is available in the harbourside car park, chargeable by the hour. Bait shops are nearby if you do need to purchase any equipment.
A popular choice of equipment when crabbing at Weymouth harbour is a drop net due to the depth you are dropping your bait down to.
Stone Pier, Weymouth
Barrack Road, Weymouth, DT4 8DZ
Stone Pier is on the southern side of Weymouth Harbour near Nothe Fort. A little further out that Weymouth Harbour but possibly a little quieter. The nearest pay and display car park is at the top of Nothe.
Swanage Beach
Pier Approach, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2AW
Crabbing at Swanage by the slipway is in a nice secluded shady spot near the pier. The slipway is close to the pier but avoids the entrance charge to the pier so well worth testing out the slipway first.
If you’re not staying long, parking in the short stay car park near the beach is a cheap option. If you’re staying all day, parking is also available along the sea front for a reasonable cost, or the long stay car park is a slightly longer walk away.
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West Bay Harbour
DT6 4EL
West Bay harbour is the harbour in Bridport, Dorset. Well known for the TV series, Broadchurch, West Bay is also a great place to go crabbing.
Any equipment can be purchased from the local shops and parking is available at three different car parks in the area.
Poole Quay
New Quay Road Poole, Dorset, BH15 4AF
One of the best places to go crabbing in Poole is along the quay. Any equipment you may need for crabbing at Poole Quay can be purchased along the quayside. Parking is available in multiple car parks.
Crabbing at Poole Quay is done from the harbour wall. Sit on the edge and drop your line in with the bait and fingers crossed a crab will appear as you pull it up again.
Buy your crab drop net and line here
Lake Pier
Lake Drive, Poole, BH15 4LR
The sign post for parking at Lake Pier is a little obscure. Follow the stony lane signposted to the toilets and at the bottom of the hill is a low cost pay and display car park. There are public toilets and usually an ice cream van.
The pier is small but generally quiet unless the weather is gorgeous. It’s a quiet area to try crabbing, and a nice place for a walk afterwards.
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Our favourite spot for crabbing is Mudeford Quay. Such a pretty place.
Hi! My favorite place to go crabbing is in Poole Quay. It’s so beautiful there but it’s also a little chilly.