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OT: Blue Crabs

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Vermilion

Redshirt
Sep 9, 2008
42
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Hello Friends. Grew up in Lancaster and loved picking blue crabs. Now living in MN, we usually order over the internet once or twice per year. Crazy expensive but we loved them.

I was going to order today from ordercrabs.com (run by Chesapeake Connection-Lancaster) and they have almost doubled in price in just the last few years. Anything going on with crabs that would explain the very steep dollar increase? Any suggestions for good places to look online for shipping? I used to get X Large (6 1/2" to 7") for about $100 per dozen. Now they are close to $200, and that's without shipping. Thanks for any insight
 
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TiogaLion

All-Conference
Oct 31, 2021
1,629
2,510
113
Vermilion said:
Hello Friends. Grew up in Lancaster and loved picking blue crabs. Now living in MN, we usually order over the internet once or twice per year. Crazy expensive but we loved them.

I was going to order today from ordercrabs.com (run by Chesapeake Connection-Lancaster) and they have almost doubled in price in just the last few years. Anything going on with crabs that would explain the very steep dollar increase? Any suggestions for good places to look online for shipping? I used to get X Large (6 1/2" to 7") for about $100 per dozen. Now they are close to $200, and that's without shipping. Thanks for any insight
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Well, the season hasn't even started yet as the water temps have been in the low 50's (unless you're getting Florida, Louisiana, Texas crabs). The winter dredge numbers have been quite low for the last 3 years, and this year's report isn't out yet (not a good sign).

The best time to get big crabs is September and October.
 
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Lion84

Lion84

Senior
Oct 7, 2021
485
697
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Driving to the South Jersey Shore yesterday a guy had a sign out for $40.00 Dollars for 3 dozen #2"s right off Route 47. Of course you are right there and not in MN.
 
R

rigi19040

Sophomore
Aug 1, 2024
190
121
43
That is really expensive and I would not pay that much. Does any of your local seafood places have them? Maybe try some of the other species til prices drop. Dungeness crabs, stone crabs ect. Anyone ever have mud crabs? They are like a monster blue claw.

I crab and we have 4 commercial traps. The crabbing has been terrible the last few years. I have a couple theories. There has been a ton of rays in NJ. I see schools of hundreds. I think rays have cleaned out the crabs. I also see lots of evasive crabs that I never saw before.
 
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rigi19040

Sophomore
Aug 1, 2024
190
121
43
Lion84 said:
Driving to the South Jersey Shore yesterday a guy had a sign out for $40.00 Dollars for 3 dozen #2"s right off Route 47. Of course you are right there and not in MN.
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I see that sign every week. I think it is right before the horse farm.
 
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PSU87

PSU87

All-Conference
Jun 8, 2001
1,775
3,663
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Vermilion said:
Hello Friends. Grew up in Lancaster and loved picking blue crabs. Now living in MN, we usually order over the internet once or twice per year. Crazy expensive but we loved them.

I was going to order today from ordercrabs.com (run by Chesapeake Connection-Lancaster) and they have almost doubled in price in just the last few years. Anything going on with crabs that would explain the very steep dollar increase? Any suggestions for good places to look online for shipping? I used to get X Large (6 1/2" to 7") for about $100 per dozen. Now they are close to $200, and that's without shipping. Thanks for any insight
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Tariffs :cool:
 
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P

prt

Sophomore
Mar 18, 2021
35
107
33
Vermilion said:
Hello Friends. Grew up in Lancaster and loved picking blue crabs. Now living in MN, we usually order over the internet once or twice per year. Crazy expensive but we loved them.

I was going to order today from ordercrabs.com (run by Chesapeake Connection-Lancaster) and they have almost doubled in price in just the last few years. Anything going on with crabs that would explain the very steep dollar increase? Any suggestions for good places to look online for shipping? I used to get X Large (6 1/2" to 7") for about $100 per dozen. Now they are close to $200, and that's without shipping. Thanks for any insight
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I got a dozen crabs for free back in college.
 
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M

Mr. Potter

All-Conference
Oct 18, 2021
1,536
3,013
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My Favorite Food ever. Can't eat them anymore deathly allergic. I would pay whatever they cost. It's not like you're eating them every day. Go for it. You only live once, maybe?

Shalom
 
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T

Tgar

Heisman
Nov 14, 2001
5,290
11,655
113
Late 1980s, early 1990s, out on the old Indian Head Highway headed south. Always Sunday, hopefully August, hot, late afternoon. Stopping at one of the trucks and grabbing a bushel of Number Ones, sitting down at the picnic table with the folks, pounding Lagers and Natty Boh’s

Heaven.

Now, once in a while, when lucky, a fresh dozen of Dungeness in Pacific City with family and friends, beers. These are things worth experiencing.
 
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CVLion

All-Conference
Oct 13, 2021
723
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Tgar said:
Late 1980s, early 1990s, out on the old Indian Head Highway headed south. Always Sunday, hopefully August, hot, late afternoon. Stopping at one of the trucks and grabbing a bushel of Number Ones, sitting down at the picnic table with the folks, pounding Lagers and Natty Boh’s

Heaven.

Now, once in a while, when lucky, a fresh dozen of Dungeness in Pacific City. These are things worth experiencing.
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I haven’t had Dungeness crabs in a LONG time… so good.
 
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Bison13

All-Conference
May 26, 2013
2,514
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Tgar said:
Late 1980s, early 1990s, out on the old Indian Head Highway headed south. Always Sunday, hopefully August, hot, late afternoon. Stopping at one of the trucks and grabbing a bushel of Number Ones, sitting down at the picnic table with the folks, pounding Lagers and Natty Boh’s

Heaven.

Now, once in a while, when lucky, a fresh dozen of Dungeness in Pacific City with family and friends, beers. These are things worth experiencing.
Click to expand...
Indian head highway, Charles county part?
 
PSU Mike

PSU Mike

All-Conference
Jul 28, 2001
2,970
4,974
113
Tgar said:
Late 1980s, early 1990s, out on the old Indian Head Highway headed south. Always Sunday, hopefully August, hot, late afternoon. Stopping at one of the trucks and grabbing a bushel of Number Ones, sitting down at the picnic table with the folks, pounding Lagers and Natty Boh’s

Heaven.

Now, once in a while, when lucky, a fresh dozen of Dungeness in Pacific City with family and friends, beers. These are things worth experiencing.
Click to expand...
In my limited time in WA I was surprised how many Dungeoness were crawling in the shallows where we’d be wading and casting for sea-run cutts. Had I been so inclined, a dozen would have been maybe a 30 minute effort.
 
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Bkmtnittany1

All-American
Jan 12, 2014
5,044
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Zeno’s on Friday nights… back in the day… all the crabs you wanted, or did not want!!
 
T

Tgar

Heisman
Nov 14, 2001
5,290
11,655
113
Bison13 said:
Indian head highway, Charles county part?
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Yes, Charles County Md. South of Fort Washington. Pretty Redneck area back in the day with a cement block package store at every crossroad. Now it is one development after another. Route 210 from Fort Washington down to Indian Head. Rural back then, poor. Some good BBQ Stands.
 
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BostonNit

BostonNit

All-Conference
Mar 15, 2003
941
1,903
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Vermilion said:
Hello Friends. Grew up in Lancaster and loved picking blue crabs. Now living in MN, we usually order over the internet once or twice per year. Crazy expensive but we loved them.

I was going to order today from ordercrabs.com (run by Chesapeake Connection-Lancaster) and they have almost doubled in price in just the last few years. Anything going on with crabs that would explain the very steep dollar increase? Any suggestions for good places to look online for shipping? I used to get X Large (6 1/2" to 7") for about $100 per dozen. Now they are close to $200, and that's without shipping. Thanks for any insight
Click to expand...
I order a few times a year too, and just bite the bullet on the prices. If you register with the websites you'll get emails when they have an exceptionally good catch and offer deals.
 
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pamdlion

All-American
Nov 17, 2003
3,657
6,578
113
Great crab cakes for $50. The Crab Bomb. Worth it.

Jerry's Seafood Home of the World Famous Crab Bomb

Jerry's Seafood Home of the World Famous Crab Bomb! We serve the freshest seafood in Maryland, including crab, oysters, shrimp, and chef-inspired specialties. Whether you’re dining in, ordering online, or hosting an event, experience the best seafood prepared to perfection. Visit us today!
jerrysseafood.com jerrysseafood.com
 
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V

Vermilion

Redshirt
Sep 9, 2008
42
18
8
pamdlion said:
Great crab cakes for $50. The Crab Bomb. Worth it.

Jerry's Seafood Home of the World Famous Crab Bomb

Jerry's Seafood Home of the World Famous Crab Bomb! We serve the freshest seafood in Maryland, including crab, oysters, shrimp, and chef-inspired specialties. Whether you’re dining in, ordering online, or hosting an event, experience the best seafood prepared to perfection. Visit us today!
jerrysseafood.com jerrysseafood.com
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Wow, they look great
 
B

Bison13

All-Conference
May 26, 2013
2,514
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there were still families that were sharecropping down there in the early 2000's. Lots of good local food from little mom and pops Im sure. Definitely not the same place as 25 years ago
 
L

LionGrad2001

Redshirt
Jul 28, 2006
1
4
3
Vermilion said:
Anyone ever order online? Any suggestions?
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Like you Vermilion, I grew up just outside Lancaster, PA and spent lots of time on the shores of OCMD in the summers Living out here in NorCal now for 23 years. I order mine 2x a year from Blue Crab Express. Never had a bad batch from Blue Crab Express. They let you customize your seasoning and overnight ship. Delicious and feels like sitting in OCMD picking away, drinking beers and orange crushes and not having a care in the world.
 
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V

Vermilion

Redshirt
Sep 9, 2008
42
18
8
LionGrad2001 said:
Like you Vermilion, I grew up just outside Lancaster, PA and spent lots of time on the shores of OCMD in the summers Living out here in NorCal now for 23 years. I order mine 2x a year from Blue Crab Express. Never had a bad batch from Blue Crab Express. They let you customize your seasoning and overnight ship. Delicious and feels like sitting in OCMD picking away, drinking beers and orange crushes and not having a care in the world.
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Outstanding, thank you!!
 
V

Vermilion

Redshirt
Sep 9, 2008
42
18
8
Hello, just wondering how the crab season is shaping up? Hoping for a great summer harvest and possibly lower online prices. Thank you
 
kgilbert78

kgilbert78

All-Conference
Apr 9, 2013
820
1,299
93
Mr. Potter said:
My Favorite Food ever. Can't eat them anymore deathly allergic. I would pay whatever they cost. It's not like you're eating them every day. Go for it. You only live once, maybe?

Shalom
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I recently developed an allergy to scallops and clams. Was ok with crab the same trip, but not talking any chances going forward.
 
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bdgan

All-Conference
Oct 12, 2021
2,640
2,654
113
Vermilion said:
Hello Friends. Grew up in Lancaster and loved picking blue crabs. Now living in MN, we usually order over the internet once or twice per year. Crazy expensive but we loved them.

I was going to order today from ordercrabs.com (run by Chesapeake Connection-Lancaster) and they have almost doubled in price in just the last few years. Anything going on with crabs that would explain the very steep dollar increase? Any suggestions for good places to look online for shipping? I used to get X Large (6 1/2" to 7") for about $100 per dozen. Now they are close to $200, and that's without shipping. Thanks for any insight
Click to expand...
When I was a kid we caught crabs by tying a string around a chicken neck. Drop it in the water and 90% of the time a crab would be picking at it when you pulled it up. The only time consuming process was getting them out of the net.

I have no idea if crabs are less abundant these days but I'm pretty sure labor costs are a big factor.
 
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mfb5053

Junior
Jan 15, 2017
155
283
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bdgan said:
When I was a kid we caught crabs by tying a string around a chicken neck. Drop it in the water and 90% of the time a crab would be picking at it when you pulled it up. The only time consuming process was getting them out of the net.

I have no idea if crabs are less abundant these days but I'm pretty sure labor costs are a big factor.
Click to expand...
Gotta get you on a trotline

 
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