Outdoor Action
Underwater Explorer
You might be surprised how much is visible from a shallow stream
It is difficult to get under the water, so look at puddles on the beach when the tide is out, or find a shallow stream - you might be surprised how much is visible. Try looking into the water from a boat or jetty (don’t fall in!).
See what you can catch with a net, a line or a rod.
Two fun activities are crabbing and fishing and below are some tips to get you started.
How to go crabbing
When can you go?
Any time of the year, but remember that you will not catch anything at low tide as crabs can only survive in some water. Always handle them gently and return them to their natural habitat before you go home.
Things you will need
What you will need:
- a bucket
- a crabbing line (string attached to a heavy stone and wound around a stick or a bought crabbing line)
- a net (is optional but useful)
- some bait (uncooked bacon or fish heads from a friendly fishmonger!)
- wipes for cleaning hands
- snacks or a picnic
How to hold a crab
Where to go:
Crabbing from a jetty
A public hard such as those at Emsworth, Bosham, or Itchenor or a pontoon (some are privately owned by sailing clubs). Make sure you don’t get in the way of other people.
Or along the foreshore - crabs can be found under the rocks in more moist sand or mud (remember to remove and replace the rocks very carefully)
How to crab:
- half fill a bucket of water and put some of your bacon in it for the crabs that you have caught
- attach your bait to the string (remember to wash your hands after handling raw meat)
- lower your line into the water (remembering to keep hold of one end) until it is slack or loose (this is when it has reached the bottom)
- wait patiently
- bring up your line slowly and have your net ready to scoop up your crabs into the bucket
- watch them move around in the bucket and put your line back down again
- if you do want to pick up the crabs, remember to handle them very carefully and pick them up from the back so that you do not get nipped by their very strong pincers
- finally, remember to carefully return all your crabs to their original habitat.
Matt's step by step guide to
catching a fish
How to go fishing
Download and view Matt's step by step guide to... catching a fish. (1.5MB pdf file)
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