Crabs at Crystal Beach, Texas: Ghost Crabs, Blue Crabs, and Crabbing

Ghost Crabs on the Beach

Ghost crabs come out at night at Crystal Beach. They're small (usually 1 to 2 inches across), pale, and incredibly fast. Take a flashlight to the beach after dark and you'll see them everywhere, darting across the sand and disappearing into their burrows. During the day, you can spot their holes in the dry sand above the high tide line.

Kids go absolutely wild for ghost crab hunting. It's free entertainment and it never gets old. The crabs are harmless. They have tiny pincers that might give a small pinch but nothing that breaks skin. Catch them gently, look at them, and let them go. Bring a bucket to hold them temporarily while kids check them out.

Blue Crabs in the Bay

Blue crabs are the edible ones, and they live in the bay waters and marshes on the back side of the Bolivar Peninsula. They're called blue crabs because of the bright blue color on their claws and legs. The shell is olive to brownish-green. They taste incredible.

Blue crabs are aggressive. Those claws can draw blood and they're fast. Handle them from the back of the shell, never from the front or sides. Experienced crabbers can grab them quickly, but if you're new, use tongs or heavy gloves.

How to Go Crabbing at Crystal Beach

Crabbing with chicken necks on a string is a classic Bolivar Peninsula activity. You don't need expensive gear. Buy raw chicken necks from the grocery store (a few dollars for a pack), tie them to a length of string or twine, and toss them into the bay. Wait a few minutes, slowly pull the string in, and scoop the crabs clinging to the chicken with a long-handled net.

The bay side of the peninsula has several spots where you can crab from shore. Areas near Rollover Pass (before it was closed) were traditionally popular. Ask locals for current hotspots. You can also buy crab traps at local bait shops if you want to get more serious about it.

You need a Texas fishing license to crab. A freshwater/saltwater package covers it. Check Texas Parks and Wildlife for size limits and bag limits on blue crabs. There are minimum size requirements and possession limits.

Hermit Crabs and Other Species

Hermit crabs show up occasionally in the shallow water and along the jetty areas. They live inside borrowed shells and are fun for kids to find. Stone crabs and fiddler crabs also live on the peninsula, though fiddler crabs prefer the muddy marsh areas on the bay side.

All of these crabs are part of a healthy coastal ecosystem. Catch and release for ghost crabs and hermit crabs. Blue crabs you can keep and eat if they're legal size. Check the regs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to Stay in Crystal Beach

Most visitors to Crystal Beach stay in vacation rentals. If you want a property with a private pickleball court, game room, tiki bar, and fire pit that sleeps up to 15 guests, check out Pickle Beach by Insane Stays. Book direct and save 20% vs. Airbnb, Vrbo & Booking.com.