Crabbing in Stoke Gabriel

Crabbing is a much-loved tradition in Stoke Gabriel and great fun for children and adults alike. The village quay is one of the best places in South Devon to try your luck and see what you can catch.

What You'll Need

Bucket
Crabbing line
Bait (bacon works well!)
Net (optional but helpful)

When to Go

Crabbing is usually best around high tide, when there is plenty of water beneath the quay. A couple of hours either side of high tide often gives the best results.

How to Catch a Crab

Find a safe spot on the quay and attach your bait to the line. Lower it gently to the bottom, trying to avoid seaweed if possible.

Hold the line loosely and wait for a tug. When you feel movement, slowly and steadily lift the line. If you have a net, place it underneath before bringing the crab out of the water.

Looking After Your Crabs

Place your crab in a bucket with some seawater and a little seaweed for shade.

To keep your catch healthy:

Avoid overcrowding your bucket (around 8–10 crabs is ideal)
Keep the bucket in the shade
Change the water occasionally if you're staying for a while
Limit crabbing sessions to around an hour

Returning Your Crabs

When you're finished, gently return your crabs to the water where you found them.

Remember, the aim is to enjoy spotting and catching them before safely releasing them back into their natural habitat.

Watch Those Claws!

Crabs can give a surprisingly sharp pinch. The safest way to pick one up is from the back of the shell, or by holding either side firmly.

Local Tip

Bring a camera! The quay is one of Stoke Gabriel's most picturesque spots, and crabbing often becomes one of the highlights of a family holiday.

Meet the Shore Crab

The most common crab you'll catch in Stoke Gabriel is the European Shore Crab. Despite its name, it isn't always green – colours can range from green and brown to orange or even red.

Shore crabs can grow to around 8cm across and are excellent scavengers, helping to keep our coastal waters clean. If you look closely, you'll notice they have five spines on either side of their eyes – one of the easiest ways to identify them.

Males usually have a narrow, pointed flap underneath, while females have a broader rounded flap for carrying eggs.
They can walk sideways at up to about 1 metre per second.
They moult their shells as they grow, so sometimes you'll find what looks like a dead crab that's actually just an empty shell.

Caught the Crabbing Bug?

Once you've mastered crabbing in Stoke Gabriel, try your luck at Galmpton Creek, Dartmouth Embankment or Brixham Harbour—three more local favourites loved by generations of holidaymakers.