A crab rake is a
commercial fishing tool used to catch blue crabs in shallow water. It consists of a long pole with a scoop-like net at the end. The net is attached to the pole with a hinge, and the hinge allows the net to be lowered into the water and then lifted back up with the crabs inside.
Commercial fishermen use crab rakes as a cost-effective way to catch blue crabs in small amounts. Crab rakes are particularly useful in areas with shallow water where larger boats cannot navigate. The rake’s long pole allows the fisherman to reach into areas that would be too difficult to access otherwise.
One advantage of using a crab rake is that it is very selective in what it catches. Fishermen can choose to only catch the crabs they want, without harming other marine life in the process. This is particularly important in areas where there are regulations in place to protect certain types of fish or marine life.
Another advantage of using a crab rake is that it is environmentally friendly. The rake does not scrape the ocean floor and does not cause damage to the ecosystem. In contrast, other methods of crab fishing, such as
crab traps, can harm other marine life by trapping them along with the crabs.
Overall, a crab rake is a useful and environmentally friendly tool for commercial fishermen. Its selectivity and low impact on the ecosystem make it an attractive option for those who are concerned about sustainability and the health of our oceans.