Go crabbing
Crabbing turns a harbour wall, quay or sheltered estuary into a close-up encounter with shore life. Lower a bait pouch into the water, wait for a tug, then raise it slowly while a crab clings on. The pleasure lies in watching, identifying and releasing the animals well, not in filling a bucket or taking them home. Choose a place where crabbing is permitted and where you can work behind a secure edge; check local signs, tide times and harbour rules before setting out. Take a hook-free line with a bait pouch, a long-handled net and a wide bucket containing fresh seawater. The RSPCA recommends pouches rather than hooked tackle, which can injure wildlife or become dangerous litter. Keep children within arm’s reach and away from slippery ladders, boats and traffic. Use a small amount of fish-based bait, lift gently and support the crab with the net instead of swinging it through the air. Wet your hands, hold only with competent guidance and never pull a crab by a leg. Keep very few animals together, separate any that fight, shade the container and refresh the water frequently. Do not add tap water, food, stones or sand, and never leave crabs sitting in a bucket while you go elsewhere. Return every crab promptly at the water’s edge rather than throwing it from height, then take the line, bait and litter home. Wash hands before eating and report entangled wildlife to the appropriate rescue service. Completion is catching, observing and safely releasing at least one crab during a responsible shore session—not exceeding local limits, keeping a wild animal as a souvenir or risking a fall for a better view.