Where to go Crabbing in Corolla
Between the Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, Corolla is a great spot along the Outer Banks. The township is known for its wild horses and breathtaking ocean views. An outstanding thing to do in Corolla to pass the time is crabbing, the only issue is finding a good spot to do it.
So, where can I go crabbing in Corolla, North Carolina? The best spots to go crabbing in Corolla, North Carolina are Historic Corolla Park, Currituck Banks Maritime Forest Trail, and Currituck Sound.
Just knowing the spot is half the battle. There are still small details you need to know, such as what to bring and expect. Let’s take a look at each spot, pointing out the pros and cons to ensure a successful crabbing trip.
Public Crabbing Spots
1) Historic Corolla Park
Historic Corolla Park (Links to Google Maps) is by far the best spot to go crabbing in Corolla, North Carolina. There, you’ll find public boat access, piers for crabbing, a beautiful bridge, and a gazebo. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a day outdoors along the Currituck Sound.
The most convenient spots in the park to go crabbing are the piers and saltwater ponds along the 35 green acres. There you’ll find plenty of spots just a few feet above the water for using hand lines.
Right across from the crabbing piers is The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education that teaches people how to go crabbing and anything they want to know about Outer Banks wildlife.
Overlooking the water, you’ll see the Whalehead Club, a beautiful 1920s mansion overlooking the Currituck Sound. It’ll give your crabbing trip a great view and a valuable piece of history.
My favorite part about this spot is the abundance of parking. You’ll have plenty of spaces within walking distance of the piers to easily transport your hand lines.
Click here to learn more about the park.
2) Currituck Banks Maritime Forest Trail Head
Click here to see Currituck Banks Maritime Forest Trail Head on Google Maps.
This peaceful walking trail in the town of Corolla has a small pier at the end that’s perfect for crabbing. It’s peaceful and far enough out of the way to not be bothered and has easy access to crab-filled waters.
However, I do have a few small issues with this spot. There’s very limited parking, it’s a long walk, and it’s a very small pier. It would be a shame to walk all that way just to find a pier crowded with other crabbers.
My advice: try to arrive early. Also, be sure to pack light. A small cooler with ice packs can carry the crabs you catch, and a small back will do just fine carrying hand lines and chicken necks.
I strongly recommend sticking to chicken necking for catching your crabs. Otherwise, you will need to buy a crabbing license which costs $70 for North Carolina residents and $500 for non-residents.
On the bright side, this crabbing spot gives you a chance to really experience and enjoy nature. It opens up to the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge which is full of vibrant coastal North Carolina wildlife. Just be sure to stick to the trail.
3) Currituck Sound
Corolla is a great town with a good mix of wildlife and white sandy beaches for people to enjoy. It has the breathtaking Outer Banks feel mixed with a homey one. This makes it perfect for any family.
It lacks, on the other hand, a good amount of public piers to go crabbing. Sure, it has the Historic Corolla Park, which is a great spot, and a few very small piers only a few know about such as Currituck Banks Forest Trail. The town just lacks enough public piers to feed the masses. My solution: Currituck Sound.
Imagine taking your own personal boat out on the water to catch some blue crabs, explore North Carolina’s saltwater marshes, and have a good time. This will build lasting memories for you and your family for years to come.
If you already have a boat, there is a boat ramp at Historic Corolla Park, a crabbing location I mentioned earlier.
Don’t have a boat? Corolla is home to plenty of boat rentals who do a phenomenal job. North Beach Watersports, for example, goes above and beyond to serve their guests and ensure they have a great time out on the water.
The friendly, family-run establishment rents pontoon boats, jet skis, kayaks, and more. You can even try parasailing and tubing if you’re daring enough. They also have a long pier for crabbing and fishing if you prefer to stay on land.
You’ll most likely be using a crab pot out on the water, which means you need to be aware of NC’s crabbing regulations and have a license. The information you need is under Recreational Crabbing.
Related Questions
When is North Carolina’s crabbing season?
Unlike most states, North Carolina does not have a recreational crabbing season in place for male blue crabs. The only rule is that It’s illegal to keep female blue crabs with a sponge (egg mass) through only the month of April.
Which crabs can I legally keep?
It’s legal to keep male and female Blue Crabs that measure 5″ from point to point on their shell. Female crabs with a sponge mass (eggs) under their abdomen are legal to keep throughout year, except for the month of April.
