Crabbing has become one of the favorite weekend pastime for many people in Qatar. You don’t need a license for recreational crabbing on the Qatari shores, but you must take necessary precautions and tools to be successful in this fun activity.

Unless there is an official announcement of a temporary crabbing ban the season is open all year round. You just have to keep in mind that safety should be the priority of everyone while enjoying this.

Here are important points that you need to know if you would like to try your hand at recreational crabbing in Qatar!

Please note as per Phase 2 of gradual lifting of restrictions: Allowing gatherings or sitting in public parks, beaches, and the corniche for a maximum of 10 people or family members residing in the same house, and individual sports such as walking, running and cycling are allowed, while continuing to close playgrounds and sports equipment in those places

Take a note of the weather

It is crucial to check Qatar’s meteorology mobile app Q Weather before you head on to your crabbing adventure. It is recommended to catch crabs only if it is low tide and the water is peaceful at night. You can easily walk and move around if the water is only up until above your knees and you can easily find the crabs since they are not getting washed away by tidal exchange. (Tip: Don’t go during the full moon as it is difficult to deal with crabs as they move very fast.)

The tools required for crabbing

What makes shore crabbing in Qatar a great and simple activity is that you don’t need bait, a huge fishing net mesh, or any special device to trap the crabs.

• Dip Net: The most recommended tool for shore crabbing is a dip net or a do-it-yourself full-size sports racket turned into a dip net, re-threaded with mesh just long enough to scoop up the crabs. (Tip: Do not use spears! Crabs captured with spears get thin and lose their juice at the time of cooking. So, don’t 'spear your meal'!)
• Flashlight/Headlamp: The flashlight or torch used for crabbing is not the usual hand-held flashlight, but a headlamp with a high-intensity bulb. The torch has a stretchable handle that is securely wrapped around the head of the crabber.
• Blinking Light: A blinking red light must be placed on top of a service vehicle to serve as the crabbers’ home-base. In case you decide to separate from a group, this reference light will serve as your ‘lighthouse’ or your guide to return to the area where your family and friends are waiting for you.
• Gloves: For a safe crabbing experience it is advisable to use thick gloves, especially for beginners. The gloves will protect your hands from getting pinched by a crab.
• Bucket: Of course, you will have a container to collect the crabs you've scooped. The bigger and lighter the container the better. Keep your crab fresh in a cooler with ice!
  

The right clothing to wear

What’s better about catching crabs during summer than during winter time in Qatar is that you don’t need a special jumpsuit, boots, and layers of clothes to combat the cold. During the summer, you just need to wear lightweight shirts, pants or shorts, and Crocs-like slippers to protect your feet from pointy stones and sharp shells.

Where to go crabbing

There are several great places to go crabbing in Qatar, but these three areas are recommended by long-time shore crabbers as these spots are abundant in crabs.

• Al Maroona Beach (Al Shamal) - Near speedboats docking station
  • Use Waze to drive to Al Maroona

• Al Thakira (Al Khor) - Near the mangroves area
  • Use Waze to drive to Al Thakira

• Simaisma Beach (Simaisma) - The long shoreline stretch
  • Use Waze to drive to Simaisma

There's nothing more delicious than eating your freshly caught crabs! And now that you know the essentials of recreational crabbing in Qatar, it’s now up to you if you would like to stay on the beach till late night and cook your crabs, or you can drive home and share your catch! Make sure to take all your equipment and carry your trash with you! Happy crabbing!

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Do you love eating crabs? Have you done crabbing before? Do let us know in the comments below! Do share this article - it keeps us going!

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Marivie

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