Where to go Crabbing In James Island SC

Just across the Ashley River, James Island is a green getaway from the busy, yet exciting, city of Charleston. Here you’ll find plenty of small creeks and saltwater marshes that are perfect for catching South Carolina blue crabs. Let’s look into a few public spots to go crabbing on James Island, SC.

You can go crabbing anywhere that has access to shallow, calm, and brackish water where crabs thrive. Three excelling public crabbing spots are James Island County Park Fishing Pier, Freeman’s Point Dock, and Dock Street Park.

Let’s look a bit more into each location, what is and what isn’t great about them, and a few tips to guarantee a successful crabbing trip.

James Island County Park Fishing Pier

I’m starting with James Island County Park because I believe it’s the best spot to go crabbing on the island with children.

The 643-acre property has plenty to do besides crabbing. There are miles of bike and walking trails to spend some time in nature and relax. To add to the serene beauty, you’ll find plenty of grassy meadows equipped with picnic tables and grills. Really feeling adventurous? Try renting bicycles, paddleboats, and kayaks to explore South Carolina’s wildlife.

The park also offers plenty of activities for added fun. The grounds feature a water park with 200ft slides and a lazy river. You’ll find a 50ft climbing wall for the more daring looking for a challenge. To finish it off, the park has a off leash dog park that borders the park’s lake.

Whether you’re out to catch some blue crabs or spend a day in the great outdoors, James Island County Park is the place for you.

Parking and admission will set you back $2.00 a person. These prices are subject to change depending on the season and park events. Be sure to check the park’s website for the most accurate prices and hours.  

Let’s get into the crabbing aspect of the park. The park’s pier stretches out into the tidal marshes along the Stono River, full of blue crabs just waiting to be caught. I recommend using ring nets and hand lines to go crabbing because of not only their simplicity, their low price tag. If the water is a bit rougher, you might want to try a box trap or a pyramid trap. They are a bit heavier and withstand the current. You can add weight your ring nets by placing a few pebbles in the center near your bait.

To go crabbing in the park, South Carolina’s DNR requires that you have a recreational saltwater fishing license. You can order one online at their website.

Be sure to bring a ruler, or better yet, a crab gauge. You’re legally allowed to keep crabs with a minimum of 5” carapace (measured from tip to tip). If you catch a female crab (females have a rounded abdomen, while male crabs have narrow and pointed abdomens) with a sponge mass, you need to return it to the water unharmed. That sponge mass is millions of tiny crab eggs, which we want to repopulate South Carolina’s waterways. More crabs means more crab dinners. For all of South Carolina’s crabbing rules and regulations check out SC’s DNR website.

Freeman’s Point Dock

If James Island County Park seems too crowded for your crabbing trip, you’re in luck! Freeman’s Point Dock is a great spot for some peace and quiet and a blue crab dinner. You will find fewer competing crabbers and beautiful views of the state’s tidal creeks.

The pier is low enough to the water for ring nets and hand lines to work just fine. This spots less crowded than James Island County Park, so you could get away with leaving a crab pot. Just keep in mind that this is a public spot. Don’t leave your trap longer than you need to. You don’t want someone stealing your crab dinner!

Before you set your crab pot, check with SC’s DNR on crab pot rules and regulations.  

Parking is free, but limited. The dock rarely runs out of spots, but it’s a popular spot for recreational fishermen and crabbers alike. It’s subject to get a little bit more crowded once the nearby neighborhoods are finished being built.

It’s a great crabbing spot but I can see it getting boring for a child, especially if it’s a slow crabbing day. You may want to rethink James Island County Park or bring some activities to keep them occupied.

Be sure to bring a ruler, or better yet, a crab gauge. You’re legally allowed to keep crabs with a minimum of 5” carapace (measured from tip to tip). If you catch a female crab (females have a rounded abdomen, while male crabs have narrow and pointed abdomens) with a sponge mass, you need to return it to the water unharmed. That sponge mass is millions of tiny crab eggs, which we want to repopulate South Carolina’s waterways. More crabs means more crab dinners! For all of South Carolina’s crabbing rules and regulations check out SC’s DNR website.

Dock Street Park

Dock Street Park is a tranquil neighborhood park with a gorgeous view of the marsh. It’s nothing special, just a pier and park grounds. You’ll find a clean playground to keep the children occupied if crabbing gets slow, and picnic tables for a relaxing lunch break.

My favorite part about this place, along with the beauty and peacefulness, is that parking is free. You can also park very close to the pier, which makes transporting crabbing supplies to and from the dock much easier. Like the last spot, parking is limited. It can get a little crowded on weekends, but I wouldn’t worry about it.

I recommend bringing 3 or more hand lines or ring nets. They work great on the pier and are very beginner-friendly. If you bring more than 3 of each, you will be required to buy a saltwater fishing license from South Carolina’s Department of Natural Resources. It costs around $11 for a 14-day license, which I believe is a bargain for a steamy blue crab dinner.

Be sure to bring a ruler, or better yet, a crab gauge. You’re legally allowed to keep crabs with a minimum of 5” carapace (measured from tip to tip). If you catch a female crab (females have a rounded abdomen, while male crabs have narrow and pointed abdomens) with a sponge mass, you need to return it to the water unharmed. That sponge mass is millions of tiny crab eggs, which we want to repopulate South Carolina’s waterways. More crabs mean more crab dinners. For all of South Carolina’s crabbing rules and regulations check out SC’s DNR website.

Nearby Crabbing Spots in Charleston County, SC

Not a fan of these three spots? Maybe you want to explore the rest of the Charleston area? If so, be sure to check out these nearby crabbing spots.

Folly Island

If you take Route 171 south out of James Island, you’ll find yourself at a beautiful spot along the coast named Folly Island. The place is a popular tourist spot in the Charleston area but still manages to keep a humble and family-friendly feel which attracts a great crowd.

The island has plenty of spots to go crabbing. On the north and south end, you’ll find county parks and reserves that welcome recreational crabbing. You’ll have more luck catching crabs in the saltwater marshes on the west side of the island.

You can also go crabbing on the Island’s fishing pier. It’s a great spot to spend the day on the beach and catch a crab dinner.

Click here to read our article: Where To Go Crabbing in Folly Island, SC.

Charleston

Just north of James Island across the Ashley River, you’ll find Charleston, one of the most popular and busiest spots in South Carolina. You might think it would be hard to find a nice crabbing spot in this bustling city, but thanks to their beautiful park grounds you can easily catch a crab dinner without leaving the city limits.

Click here to read our article: Where To Go Crabbing in Charleston, SC.

Mt. Pleasant

Mt. Pleasant, just across the Cooper River from Charleston, is home to plenty of saltwater marshes and tidal creeks. It’s the perfect spot to catch blue crabs in Charleston County Area.

Click here to read our article: Where To Go Crabbing in Mt. Pleasant, SC.