| Crab fishing in Alaska is a great experience. But | | | | tucked under their back shell. King crabs also have |
| before you go crabbing, you'll need to know some | | | | front pincers, of which the right pincer is slightly |
| details about Alaska's crab species. Having this | | | | larger than the left. The large size of kings also |
| knowledge will enhance your fishing experience | | | | sets them apart from other types of crabs. |
| and when you know how to identify them, you'll | | | | These monster crustaceans can reach weights of |
| have an easier time fishing for crabs. Read on to | | | | over 20 pounds. |
| find out more about tanner, king and dungeness | | | | Like humans, many organisms enjoy dining on king |
| crabs. | | | | crabs. Major predators include cod, octopus, |
| Tanner Crabs | | | | otters, other king crabs and Alaskan halibut In |
| Known by two names, tanner crabs or snow | | | | fact, there have been cases of fishermen finding |
| crabs are a popular crab species in Alaska. You | | | | 10 or more king crabs in a halibut's belly. |
| probably recognize snow crabs as the ones with | | | | Dungeness Crabs |
| the tasty red legs. These crabs have a | | | | These crabs are characterized by wide oval |
| semi-transparent shell with a small abdominal flap. | | | | shaped bodies enclosed in a hard semi-transparent |
| Like other Alaskan crabs, tanners have five sets | | | | shells. Like king and tanner crabs, dungeness have |
| of pointy legs including one set with pincers. | | | | five sets of legs with one set containing pincers. |
| Smaller than king crabs, tanners typically range | | | | You can tell the difference between dungeness |
| from a to 4 pounds in weight. | | | | crabs and other species because they have small |
| Many types of fish feed on tanner crabs and of | | | | short legs and they lack a spiny shell. Dungeness |
| course, humans enjoy them too. Their fish | | | | crabs are around the same size as tanners and |
| predators include bottomfish (like pollack or cod), | | | | not as large as kings. Mature adults generally |
| oily fish (like herring.) | | | | weigh about 2 to 3 pounds and are over 6 inches |
| King Crabs | | | | long. |
| Also known as stone crabs, king crabs are the | | | | Major predators include dogfish, octopus, otters |
| most sought after crabs in Alaska. The king crab | | | | and other crabs (including those of the same |
| population consists of three different species. The | | | | species.) At the larvae stage, crabs are food to |
| three types of kings are red, blue and golden | | | | fish like salmon. |
| crabs. All three species are prevalent in Alaska's | | | | Now that you know the distinguishing features of |
| waters. | | | | Alaska's crab species, you can easily tell them |
| King crabs are identified by spiny shells, five | | | | apart from one another. Fishing for crabs can be |
| distinct pairs of legs and fan shaped tails that curl | | | | a lot of fun and a nice change from rod and reel |
| under the back part of their shells. The first four | | | | once in a while. Plus, nothing makes a better meal |
| legs on both sides are visible, but the fifth pair is | | | | than fresh steamed crabs. Happy Fishing! |