The thrill of mud crabbing in the Kimberley

If you’ve never been mud crabbing in the Kimberley, you’re missing out. There’s something addictive about cruising along a mangrove creek, setting a pot, and feeling that little jolt of excitement as you pull it back up. And the best part? You’re rewarded with some of the tastiest seafood Australia has to offer.
This guide has everything you need to get started—where to go, what gear you’ll need, and the rules to follow. Grab your gear, and let’s get crabbing!

What are mud crabs?

Mud crabs are the heavyweights of Australia’s estuaries, known for their impressive claws and incredible flavour. Found in the Kimberley’s mangroves and tidal creeks, these crabs are a favourite for recreational fishers chasing both the thrill of the catch and the promise of a top-notch meal.

In Western Australia, you’ll come across two main types of mud crabs:

• Green Mud Crab (Scylla serrata): The larger of the two, green mud crabs can grow up to 300mm across their carapace. They’re identified by their robust, dark-mottled shells and large, sharp claw spines. You’ll also notice multiple prominent spines on their elbows, which add to their distinctive look.
• Brown Mud Crab (Scylla olivacea): Slightly smaller, brown mud crabs reach about 150mm in carapace width. Their shells are lighter in colour, and their claw spines are less defined—often appearing as small bumps. Their elbows typically have only one small blunt spine or none at all.

Interestingly, despite their names, green and brown mud crabs don’t appear distinctly green or brown. The names were originally used to reflect their environments, but today they’re better identified by their physical traits and size.

Where to find mud crabs in the Kimberley

Mud crabs are everywhere in the Kimberley’s waterways—if you know where to look. Of course, we’re not going to give away our secret spots (wink), but we can tell you the types of habitats these tasty crustaceans love:

• Mangrove creeks: Look for areas lined with thick mangroves. The roots provide shelter for crabs, especially during high tide.
• Tidal flats and estuary mouths: These spots are often teeming with mud crabs, particularly where tidal movement stirs up the seabed.
• Creek outlets and mud banks: Crabs love to gather around creek outlets where food flows out with the tide. Shallow mud banks with signs of burrows can also be goldmines.

If you’re after general starting points, try the Derby Jetty, Roebuck Bay near Broome, or the Fitzroy River near Derby. But let’s be honest—the real fun is in finding your own secret spot in this massive, untamed region. A bit of exploring will not only increase your chances but also make the catch that much sweeter.

When is the best time to catch mud crabs?

Timing plays a huge role in a successful mud crabbing adventure, and the Kimberley’s unique tidal patterns are a key factor. Crabs are most active when there’s water movement, which stirs up food and gets them out of their burrows.

• Tides: The Kimberley experiences some of the biggest tides in Australia, with ranges reaching up to 10 metres or more in places like Derby. Crabs are most active during the incoming (flood) tide, when rising water encourages them to forage. Outgoing (ebb) tides can also work, but avoid slack tides when the water isn’t moving. Plan your crabbing trips around these tidal changes for the best chance of success.
• Time of day: Mud crabs are known to be more active at night, but day trips can still be productive, especially during tidal movements. For daytime crabbing, focus on shaded areas like mangrove creeks or deeper water spots to increase your chances.
• Seasonality: While mud crabs are available year-round, the hotter months from October to March tend to be the most fruitful. Warmer water temperatures bring crabs out more frequently, and they’re more likely to be full of meat.

How to catch mud crabs

1. Gear you’ll need

• Drop nets: Drop nets are a simple and effective way to catch mud crabs. They’re designed to sit flat on the seabed and trap crabs as they move toward the bait in the centre.
• Crab hook (optional): Depending on how you’re going to go mud crabbing, a crab hook can be used to coax crabs out of their burrows in shallow waters.
• Bait: Fresh bait works best. Fish frames, chicken carcasses, or even lamb bones are favourites. Secure the bait tightly in the net to stop it from being eaten from the outside.
• Ropes and floats: Use sturdy ropes and floats to mark your nets. Ensure the floats are visible and comply with local rules (name and address labels are often required).
• Gloves and tongs: Essential for safely handling crabs and avoiding those powerful claws.

2. Setting your nets

• Choose locations based on habitat tips.
• Position your drop nets in areas where the water carries the scent of your bait, enticing crabs to investigate. Avoid areas with submerged obstacles like tree roots or debris that could snag your gear.
• Drop your nets during the incoming tide, and check them regularly—about every 20–30 minutes is ideal.

3. Hand-hooking crabs (if using a crab hook)

If you’ve ditched the nets for a hook, use your crab hook to gently coax crabs out of burrows in the mud or mangroves. However, we do not use this method here at True North.

This method requires a bit more patience, a keen eye for spotting burrows, and awareness of your surroundings—especially in areas where crocodiles may be present.

4. Practise safety when handling mud crabs

Mud crabs have a powerful grip that can cause serious injury, so careful handling is a must. Luckily (if you’re planning on a True North adventure), our guides will handle the crabs for you, so you don’t have to worry.

• Always approach the crab from behind and grip it firmly at the base of its swimming legs.
  Use gloves or tongs to avoid direct contact with their claws.
• Keep the crabs in a bucket or esky with a damp cloth to keep them calm until you’re ready to store or cook them.

Rules and regulations for crabbing in the Kimberley

Fishing regulations can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest guidelines before heading out. Visit the WA Fisheries website or contact local authorities to ensure you’re following the most current rules for mud crabbing in the Kimberley.

Licensing requirements

• A Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence (RFBL) is mandatory if you are fishing from a powered boat, even if you plan to release your catch. This includes transporting fishing gear or catch by boat to or from land-based locations.
• Licences are not required for crabbing from unpowered boats or on foot.

Bag and size limits

• Daily bag limit: Up to five mud crabs (green and brown combined) per person per day.
• Boat limit:
  • A maximum of ten mud crabs is allowed per boat, but only if at least two people onboard hold a valid RFBL. Otherwise, the limit remains five.
• Size limits:
  • Green mud crabs: Minimum carapace width of 150mm.
  • Brown mud crabs: Minimum carapace width of 120mm.

Protected crabs

• Berried females: Egg-carrying females must be released immediately.
• Undersized crabs: Measure across the widest part of the shell (carapace) with a proper crab gauge. Any undersized crabs must be returned to the water straight away.

Legal gear for crabbing

• Allowed methods:
  • By hand: Directly catching crabs without tools.
  • Wire hook: A hand-held blunt hook, incapable of piercing the crab.
  • Drop nets: Must not exceed 1.5 metres in diameter, with a limit of ten drop nets per person or per boat.
  • Scoop nets: Hand-held, bowl-shaped nets made of rigid mesh with a maximum internal diameter of 375mm and depth of 210mm.
  • Diving: Allowed, provided crabs are caught by hand.
• Prohibited gear:
  • Pots, traps, rakes, fishing nets, prawn trawls, and dip nets are strictly illegal.

Caring for your catch

Taking care of your mud crabs ensures they stay fresh and tasty until it’s time to cook. Here are the key steps:

• Keep them alive
  • Place crabs in a bucket or esky with a damp cloth to keep them cool and calm.
  • Avoid submerging them in water for extended periods, as they need oxygen to survive.
• Secure them safely
  • Tie their claws with elastic bands, cable ties, or crab string to prevent fights and make handling easier.
• Chill before cooking
  • Place crabs in the freezer or on ice for 20–30 minutes before cooking.
  • This slows them down and is a humane way to prepare them.
• Check for fullness
  • Look for crabs with heavy, slightly weathered shells for the best meat content.
  • Crabs with shiny, bright shells are often empty, as they’ve recently moulted.

Mud crabs, done right

Mud crabbing in the Kimberley is an unforgettable adventure—exploring mangrove-lined creeks, pulling in your catch, and savouring the freshest seafood imaginable.

With True North and our luxurious Kimberley cruises, you can take this experience to the next level. Our expert guides will lead you to the best crabbing spots, and your freshly caught crabs will be prepared onboard by our chef and enjoyed the same day—ensuring the ultimate sea-to-plate experience while surrounded by the Kimberley’s stunning scenery.

Join us for the ultimate Kimberley adventure where luxury meets the thrill of the wild. Let True North help you create memories that will last a lifetime.