Catching crabs at Weekapaug Breachway is the ultimate experience to touch, feel and coexist with ancient marine life. But before starting your excursion, it is wise to know not only which crabs are edible or not, but also which ones are illegal to harvest.
Weekapaug Breachway is associated with several varieties of crabs, the most common of which is the green crab. This creature has a green or dark brown shell. Its legs are thin and it is evident that this crab contains little or no meat. The green crab is essentially a scavenger that will cling to anything dead on the ocean floor. It is also a threat to the softshell clam population. Higher up the food chain are rock crabs whose light cream colored shell contrasts with their green crab brothers and sisters. Rock crabs are considered a delicacy and are harvested in Rhode Island not only recreationally, but commercially as well. Blue crabs are even more desirable. Years ago, blue crabs were an endangered species and off-limits to crabs, whether commercial or recreational. But their numbers have returned enough and while they are more associated with the Chesapeake Bay, they are common in the waters from Weekapaug to Narragansett Bay. Those who live out of state should be warned: the catch of blue crabs is by residents only. What makes blue crabs unique is that they can be cooked and eaten whole, in shell and all. There is also a strict size limit of five inches and a catch limit of 25. It is also noteworthy that blue crabs cannot be harvested between dusk and dawn.
Finally, there is the horseshoe crab, a remarkable creature on many fronts. First, it’s scary! If you can imagine the helmet of a German soldier walking across the ocean floor, you have a good picture of what a horseshoe crab looks like. An additional feature is that the horseshoe crab has a stiff tail with 8-inch spikes. The horseshoe crab normally buries itself in the mud. Pity about the person walking by. The horseshoe crab shoots its tail upward as a defense mechanism, and stepping on it would surely mean a trip to the hospital! Another unique quality of the horseshoe crab is evidenced in a quote from the Rhode Island Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations: “No person shall collect horseshoe crabs in the waters or coast of the state during the 48 hour period prior to 48 hours. -Period of hours following the new and full moon during the months of May, June and July annually.
Crabbing at Weekapaug Breach is something different for different people. For a kid, it’s a bucket full of green crabs to enjoy and toss into the ocean at the end of the day. For the seafood lover, there is the satisfaction of dinner to your liking consisting of rock and blue crabs. And for the nature lover, there is the majesty and mystery of the ancient horseshoe crab.