Crabbing from shore...

Due to the un-kayakable sea conditions at the present time, I am thinking of exploring some local bays and coves (not SF Bay) in search of crabs. What are some methods of crabbing from shore? I've head of devices used with a rod that snare crabs...are these efficient? Any suggestions would be appreciated. I have loads of fish heads in the freezer and want to make some use of them...
 Thanks,
 Andrew

The snares IMO are somewhat of a crapshoot.  They're kinda cool and work when properly set up and maintained but if they don't land on the bottom properly or the lines don't stay open then your odds of landing crabs go way down. Some people swear by them, I don't.  I'd use them if I was out for a fun day of fishing with the kids (not looking for meat) or was crabbing a spot where hoops were unusable.

Where were you planning on crabbng?  I've been in SC on some of those victory at sea days and the water in the protected area of the bay looked good. 

It's been my experience that crabs will come into protected bays during big storms or surf. You might try Tomales Bay
near the mouth. Also, I have raked crabs out of sandy tide pools and channels at low tide in Oregon and Washington. I think there is some kind of restriction in CA, but if you were to wear a wetsuit and get them by hand, it would be the same as a diver, which I believe is legal.

I have never used the crab loop system but a few days ago I noticed that a guy was selling them on Craig's list for $5.00. I have exchanged a couple emails with him but have not gone any farther. If your are interested his email is
diegoguevara@sbcglobal.net

As for where to find the crabs, right now, you find them where there is not a major rain runoff. They can't deal with fresh water. So, you won't find them where the rain is draining to the sea. Same reason why it is so hard to find grass shrimp right now.

If you try the crab loops, let us know how they work.

Thanks...I'll let you know how i do.