Rudolph Brown/Staff Photographer
After the hunt. Crab catcher Paul strings together crabs for sale along the Spanish Town by-pass in St. Catherine.Tamara King, Freelance Writer
BIG BRIDGE, Little London, Brighton and Negril in Westmoreland, Hellshire in St. Catherine - all across Jamaica it's crab hunting time.
Some folks make it a family expedition, others go out in small platoons with their pals to grab crocus bags full of crabs. The season spans April through June and with the recent heavy rains, the crustaceans are in ample supply, having been flooded out of their holes.
Crab hunting is an expedition that is planned and executed much like an army attack and involves just as much strategy and reconnaissance of the enemy's territory - sea or river side, morass and swampy areas.
If you decide to go to crab bush, there are a few things you should know.
Be prepared for battle and a nip or two
First, this can be a high risk activity, be prepared to get at least a few nips from the crabs or other biting insects when you invade their territory.
Still, those experienced in the hunt say there's a rush of adrenaline as you battle to grab your share of crabs. It's fun and exciting, they say. You can land anywhere from 20 to 50 dozen crabs in a season, says Melverton McKenzie, a veteran crabber.
Gear up properly
Christopher Bennett, a 28-year-old crab vendor and fisherman of Big Bridge, Westmoreland, has crab hunting down to a science. For a successful crab mission, gloves, water boots, and crocus bags, are a must. Long sleeved shirts are also a good idea. Plus, because crab hunting is done at nights you will, of course, need a torch or flashlight.
Crab hunters usually venture out in parties of six or more but may split into smaller units once they get to the scene, says Bennett.
Crabbing off season
In the off-season crab hunters stuff the holes with green bushes. This is done as tightly as possible to block the air going into the hole. The lack of air coupled with the heat of the sun "drunks" the crab, say veteran crab hunters. The result is that they venture to the top making things easier for crab catchers.
How to bag it
Crabs are never easy to catch and usually put up a decent fight, often it is the expertise and skill of the catcher that decides who wins the fight. If you manage to corner the crab your next concern is getting it into the bag. Your goal is to get hold of the crab by the back. Be careful to avoid the ominous claw which, by the way, will hook your hand good and proper and then shed, while still holding you hostage.
Once caught, crabs are best rendered immobile by tying their legs and pincers with string, mangrove twine or coconut leaf.
Left-handed and right-handed crabs
Michael Crew, a veteran crab hunter says that there are two categories of crab - the left-handed and the right-handed crab. You'll know the difference, he adds, by the direction in which they walk - left or right. In his experience, left-handed crabs are more difficult to catch because of their propensity to turn over on their back in a split second.
OTHER THINGS OF NOTE
Crabs are stored alive, preferably in a drum. They are also cooked alive because they can be poisonous when dead.
The back of the crab is the crab eater's dream, especially if it is a female crab. Among the goodies in the back are the eggs and fat (this gives the gravy). However, be aware that when you eat the eggs you are eating next year's catch.
Some folks will tell you that there is nothing like a massive crab cookout after a successful mission at crab bush. It usually involves the extended family, neighbours and the gang. Crabs can be boiled in salted water, baked, grilled, curried. See crab recipes in the June 6 issue of The Gleaner's Food section.
Crabs omit a pungent smell that is easily identifiable. Drinking water and eating crabs usually leave a bitter in the mouth.
WHY DO CRABS WALK SIDEWAYS?
Because that's the way their legs bend. This lets them squeeze into holes and crevices to keep out of the way of fish with sharp teeth and larger crabs that might think the crab was a tasty meal.
