Useful Information

YOU CAN’T BEAT A BIT OF CRABBING

It’s long been part of the Suffolk seaside tradition to dangle a piece of line over the edge of the quay, strung with bait of your choice, with the aim to catching as many crabs as possible before the day is out.

What you’ll need... A bucket. Crabbing line, (you’ll find these in most local shops by the quayside). BaiT. try bacon or whelks from a local fishmonger.

Location, location, location... Best spots for gillying include; Walberswick and Orford Quay or the Old Felixstowe Jetty. Firstly find your spot along the water’s edge. In the height of summer it can get crowded. Please remember that the quay is a working environment so watch out for boats and traffic.

Let the games begin... 1. Secure your bucket to the end of the line and carefully lower it down to fill with water and place safely behind you out of the sun. 2. Tie your chosen bait to the end of your line. Under new guide lines it is requested that hooks are removed and bait is tied on, as hooks are a serious hazard to local wildlife. 3. Now lower your line down into the water and give it a few minutes before gently removing it to check for a catch. Don’t leave it too long as you may find something has done a runner with your bait. 4. Add your catch to your bucket, keep a count and after an hour or 10 crabs return them to the sea and replace your water. Make it more fun by adding a prize for the best crab catcher.

In an emergency... or if you see someone in difficulty... call the Coastguard on 999.