Barrier
Island Eco Tours
50 41st Avenue
Isle of Palms, SC 29451
843.886.5000
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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.
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.
Get a Copy of our Latest Brochure Here
Contact Information
Barrier Island
Eco-Tours
50 41st Avenue
Isle of Palms, SC 29451
843.886.5000
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