Warm, calm and clear
skies
Those of us who grew up on the
river and were into fishing, hunting, and other recreational activities
centered around the natural world know the allure of crabbing in the months of
July through October. During these
months the Blue-claw crabs migrate up the river and are sought after by
recreational and commercial crabbers.
Today, we had three
generations on Bear Mountain Dock pursuing a pastime that I taught to my daughter
30 some years ago and which we both are teaching my grandchildren. Although they are pugnacious, perhaps a
bit menacing to look at, and can pack a wallop of a bite with their claws (the
crabs….not my grandkids!) , their Latin name, Callinectes sapidus, means “beautiful” or “savory swimmer”.
Teaching them how to determine
whether the crabs we catch are females or males (no fair keeping the
females), measuring the size of the
crabs to make sure they are “legal”, and of course teaching them how to safely
handle the crabs (they have determined that if Pop Pop handles them, that is
the safest way) is all part of the learning experience.
The fascinating book, Beautiful Swimmers by William W. Warner
is a must read for anyone bitten by the crabbing bug. The natural history of this remarkable crustacean and the
story of the crabbing industry along the Chesapeake Bay enhance the experience
of getting out on the water and bringing these delicacies to the dining room
table. The Blue claw is a major
player in the natural world along the banks of the Hudson during these hot
summer months and it gives me great pleasure to be able to share this pastime
with my family.
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