| USA beach destinations can be an excellent choice | | | | for a dipping crabs up. A more basic rig is just |
| for families that want a fun-filled and relaxing | | | | twine, a sinker and whatever bait you can obtain, |
| vacation. Beaches offer a wide range of activities | | | | tied on the line. The line is then lowered into the |
| to insure the entire family will find something | | | | water, and gently raised once a tug is felt. |
| enjoyable during their stay. | | | | Serious crabbing baits include fresh fish, eels, bull |
| Beach Activities | | | | lips and other baits but the most basic bait, |
| A day at the beach can include, swimming, | | | | chicken necks, work just as well on a hand line. |
| jogging, walking, volleyball, flying kites, building sand | | | | The traps are used in a similar fashion, except |
| castles, shell collecting, sunbathing, napping, picnics | | | | that the trap is lifted sharply to close the doors |
| and best of all, relaxing. Bring a beach umbrella, | | | | suddenly and capture any crabs that are inside. |
| beach chair, towels, sunblock, eyewear, camera, | | | | Crabs should be kept damp and cool and steamed |
| water, snacks, binoculars, a novel and don't forget | | | | as soon as possible. They are simple to cook, and |
| your bathing suit! | | | | can be steamed whole or chilled, then the backs |
| Boating and Fishing | | | | removed and rinsed out before steaming. In |
| Beach destinations often have a nice variety of | | | | either case, the crabs are sprinkled with crab |
| boat cruises, including, nature cruises, scenic | | | | seasoning and steamed until they are bright |
| cruises, sunset cruises, , site-seeing, eco-tourism | | | | orange. Serve with melted butter and a cold |
| trips, kayaking adventures and fishing charters. | | | | refreshment! Crabmeat is also excellent in a |
| The array of guided trips gives families a good | | | | variety of dishes and even freezes well for short |
| choice of events, and there is something for | | | | periods. |
| everyone. For the more independent and | | | | Clamming |
| experienced vacationer, boat and other | | | | Clamming is a family activity everyone can enjoy |
| watercraft rentals are another option. | | | | on a beach vacation. Clams are easy to find, cook |
| When chartering a boat, it may be a good idea to | | | | and handle. Locals catch clams by raking, wading, |
| consider the weather, traffic, and other factors, | | | | and signing. Some clamming areas can be reached |
| and plan ahead. Some boats can be chartered on | | | | on foot. Boaters can explore even more |
| short notice, while others may be booked up to a | | | | possibilities. You can also use a local guide to assist |
| year in advance. Depending on the trip, season | | | | you on an enjoyable clamming trip. |
| and vessel you might need sunblock, camera, | | | | Dining Out |
| insect repellent, water, snacks, a light jacket or | | | | After a day at the beach you can stop for a cool |
| even rain gear. Information on what to bring is | | | | ice cream cone, have a nice dinner while watching |
| typically available by contacting the captain | | | | the sunset, or visit a local niteclub. |
| beforehand. | | | | Beach destinations are known for fresh seafood! |
| On nature cruises you might encounter are any | | | | You might find fish, lobsters, crabs, oysters, |
| number of wildlife and waterfowl including deer, | | | | clams, mussels, scallops as the fresh catch, |
| ducks, geese, herons, egrets, plovers and other | | | | depending on your location. Local cuisine varies but |
| shorebirds, whales, porpoises, otters, seals and | | | | almost every beach destination will have |
| more. Local guides know the best spots and are | | | | something for everyone. |
| eager to guide visitors on trips that just cannot | | | | Accommodations |
| be viewed from land. | | | | Beach resorts usually offer a wide range of |
| Fishing guides might fish for flounder, trout, | | | | accommodations. Vacationers will find vacation |
| bluefish, croakers, spot, drum, striped bass, shark, | | | | rentals, condos, cottages, hotels, motels, inns, bed |
| sea bass, tautog, tuna, billfish, mahi-mahi, wahoo | | | | and breakfasts, camping facilities or other options. |
| or other fish, depending on the season, boat and | | | | Vacationers can sometimes get excellentrates |
| destination. Other trips will feature crabbing, | | | | and availability in the off season. During the peak |
| shrimping, clamming, or just exploring. | | | | seasons, rates are higher and accommodations |
| Crabbing | | | | are much harder to book. Visitors are advised to |
| Crabbing is an enjoyable family vacation activity. | | | | check for availability well in advance in most |
| Catching blue crabs does not require much in the | | | | cases. |
| way of equipment or skill. Crabbing can be done | | | | Festivals |
| from a boat, pier, near bridges or along the | | | | Festivals are often an enjoyable activity during a |
| shoreline. Crabbers need only a line, weight, bait | | | | beach vacation. Festivals usually combine, food, |
| and dip net for the traditional rig, or an | | | | shopping and entertainment in one safe and easy |
| inexpensive crab trap, which eliminates the need | | | | to find location. |