Barrier Island Eco Tours: December 2013

Barrier Island Eco Tours

50 41st Avenue

Isle of Palms, SC 29451

843.886.5000

http://nature-tours.com

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Testimonials

"A special thanks to Shane Ziegler of Barrier Island Eco Tours, Isle of Palms, for sharing his invaluable insights and vast knowledge about the Lowcountry, its wildlife and ecosystem. And the tours are fabulous!"

-Mary Alice Monroe, Author of The Beach House

Barrier Island Ecotours is hands down worth a trip to Charleston to experience. The sights of the salt marsh and all it has to offer is worth every penny. Where else can you experience up close and personally all the marine and terrestrial wildlife the estuaries and capers island has to offer? From dolphins, crabs, deer, allligators, abundant fish, you will have a blast being entertained by the outdoors. Every trip is a surprise because you don't know what you will encounter. If you want peace and relaxation at the same time of excitement these are the trips for you and your family and friends of any ages. Ask the naturalists and they will tell you the hot spots of where to go and what trips are best suited for your group.

-Lee Sparwasser

As Charleston locals, my family has the incredible opportunity to go on a nature tour with Barrier Island Ecotours at least once a summer and often times, more! With their many options like crabbing trips, dolphin excursions, sunset cruises, etc., we always have a great time and it's never the same trip twice. The captains handle the boats with precision, and the naturalists have an incredible amount of knowledge and keep everyone entertained and laughing. And then there's the fishing charters! Our daughter LOVES fishing with Mr. Shane, and every time we've been out, she's caught enough fish to make her ask almost every day when we can go again. I highly recommend Barrier Island Ecotours for visitors and locals alike...

- Michael Schumpert

Catching Crabs by Hand

Crabbing with a Net

The most basic crabbing technique (in regards to devices needed) is the dip net. With a long-handled web you can wade a cove or shoreline, on foot or from a watercraft. When you detect a crab you dip and net it. Put your catch in a basket or cooler. This method requires higher persistence and hand-eye coordination than the line approach.

Drop Lining or Chicken Neckin'.

This is catching crabs by hand on a sing line (or string) with lure tied to the end of it- usually chicken necks.

Exactly what you will require:

· A line (ball of string) - string is simple on the hands to control and pull in – and the crabs truly do not care what you use.

· A little stick - (perhaps 8-12 inches long) to tie your line to.

· Bait - raw poultry necks or raw fish heads. Most local supermarket hold poultry parts you can use for crabbing. Some crabbers vouch by bull lips Others make use of salted eel. Bait shops and dockside fish markets will also offer you remaining fish heads. Crabs will virtually consume any raw meat but these are what many individuals make use of.

· A little net - to assist in wrangling those ornery critters.

· A cooler, a tall bucket, or a bushel basket with a lid - for your catch – Some folks keep their crabs in a live well in the water, which helps them to live longer.

· Gloves - to wear when handling the crabs.

· A buddy - due to the fact that two sets of hands are much better than one - and it is always more fun and safer on the water with a pal along.

· A ruler - or some other way to measure the size of your catch

What to do:

· When you get to your crabbing area, tie one end of a 5-6 foot line on to your stick.

· Tie a piece of your lure safely at the other end of your line.

· Drop your bait into the water holding securely onto your stick.

· Wait for the tug of the crab eating your bait.

· When you feel a nibble, gradually raise the line to the surface area. Go slowly and attempt not to terrify the crab. Carefully reel in your line wrapping it around your stick up until the crab is hanging in the air.

· Either drop the crab into your container or use your web to get your prey and then drop it in the bucket from the net

· Crabs ought to not lack water or air for too long. Crabs can reside in coolers with ice since the ice reduces their system. Never prepare and consume a dead crab.

Consume your crabs the exact same day that you catch them.

Crab Traps

Collapsible crab traps are made use of in a comparable method to a drop line. They can be acquired at many bait stores or hardware establishments on the Eastern Shore.

Always remember, you'll still need something to keep your catch in.

· Fasten your lure to the bottom of the trap.

· Fasten a tough line to the trap.

· Lower the trap from a dock or boat.

· When a crab enters to feed, pull the string and trap the crab. Then raise it ashore and drop into your pail or basket.

Crabbing in Charleston SC

Learn to catch crabs the old fashioned way, with a hand line and chicken neck. We will venture by boat to an excellent crabbing spot, teach you about the intriguing life history of the blue crab, and then catch, cook, clean and consume these tasty crustaceans. Our crab boil takes place on the beach of Capers Island. A fantastic trip for the family. This may very well be the freshest seafood you will ever eat!

NOTE:

IF THIS TRIP IS FULL PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL US AT 843-886-5000 FOR ALTERNATIVE TRIP OPTIONS. THIS TRIP IS AVAILABLE AS A PRIVATE CHARTER AS WELL.

WEATHER POLICY-PLEASE SHOW UP UNLESS YOU HEAR FROM US. ISOLATED, POP-UP THUNDERSTORMS ARE COMMON IN THE SUMMER MONTHS AND MAY DELAY THE TRIP BY A FEW MINUTES OR MAY MISS US COMPLETELY. WE WILL CONTACT YOU IF THE TRIP IS CANCELLED, OTHERWISE PLEASE PLAN ON CHECKING IN AT THE SCHEDULED TIME.

We offer naturalist guided boat excursions to Capers Island State Heritage Preserve, one of the last undeveloped barrier islands. Our fleet consists of: the Callinectes, a 40 passenger covered pontoon; the Sayana, a 22 passenger covered pontoon; the Marsh Mama, a 26 foot, 16 passenger Carolina Skiff; and the Cut Mullet, a 23 foot, 6 passenger bay style boat. All of our boats are available for private, customized charters as well.