Catch Crabs Along Fredericia’s Coast

Catch a Crab in Fredericia – and Help the Little Belt

There is something special about standing on a bathing jetty with a line in your hand, waiting. Suddenly, you feel a tug – and then it is time to pull up slowly. Catching crabs is one of those activities that everyone enjoys, from young children to those who only joined for the cosy atmosphere.

In Fredericia, you can catch shore crabs from almost every harbour pier and bathing jetty along the Little Belt. All you need is a line, a clothes peg and a piece of salami. If you would rather stand with your feet in the water, you can also catch crabs with a net in the shallow areas along the coast. This works especially well at shallow beaches such as Østerstrand.

Find an overview of Fredericia’s beaches here!

Help the Little Belt Create a Better Marine Environment

And the best part? You are actually helping the Little Belt. Shore crabs are a natural part of life in the strait, but the population has exploded. During a test fishing project in a small area of the Little Belt, DTU Aqua removed eight tonnes of crabs in just 14 days without making a noticeable difference. The cod population, which normally helps keep crab numbers balanced, is now too small, meaning the crabs eat fish fry and damage eelgrass habitats. By catching and eating them, you help restore balance in the Little Belt.

If you can’t beat them – eat them.

Shore crabs are far more delicious than their reputation suggests – with a flavour somewhere between lobster and langoustine. Try a classic crab soup made from crab stock or go all in with crab pizza. Find the recipes by following the links!

How to Catch Shore Crabs in Fredericia

Grab a line, a clothes peg and a piece of salami – that is all you need. Tie the salami to the line, lower it from a pier or bathing jetty and wait. When you feel resistance, slowly pull the line back up. If you want to get even closer to the action, you can catch crabs with a net in the shallow water, which is perfect for children.

At Fredericia’s nature centres, Lundingsvej Nature Centre and Trelde Næs Nature Centre, you can borrow equipment for crab catching from the gear banks.

What Should You Do with the Crab Afterwards?

The most humane way to kill a shore crab is to cut it in half lengthwise with a sharp knife, starting between the eyes and cutting towards the back. This quickly and effectively destroys the nervous system. After that, it is ready for cooking.

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