Scotland has lots of perfect crabbing locations for some simple, summer family fun-all you really need is a line and some bait.  Here is our easy guide with everything you need to know.

Find a good spot, ideally with a jetty or safe ledge to sit on.  The best places are on thick harbour walls that you can spread your stuff on, but anywhere you can dangle a line and your legs over will do fine.

Half-fill your  crab bucket with seawater. A bit of seaweed is also good if you can find it to provide some cover.  It is important to keep the bucket in the shade so the crabs don’t overheat.

Drop your line into the water. Make sure that your bait reaches the bottom and try to avoid any clusters of seaweed or rocks that you line can get tangled in. Hold the line loosely in your hand and wait until you feel a tug. If there is a crab onboard the line will feel a little heavier and give some resistance when you pull gently.

Once you get the crabs attention, wait a few seconds and pull up slowly.  Once above the water they may let go if they are not busy trying to eat your bait.

A few shakes above the bucket should be enough to loosen them and or if you are brave enough you can carefully pick them off.  Only keep a few crabs in the bucket at a time, especially if they are more aggressive male crabs or they will start to fight.

Don’t be tempted to eat them as most crabs in the UK are inedible.  When you let them go, make sure they don’t have too high a drop to reach water.  Release them near the water edge for a spontaneous crab ‘race’ to add to the fun.