Crabbing Contest on the Quay

Mudeford Quay, nestled along the Dorset coast, has long been a favourite destination for Gabriel and I when we are seeking an alternative to a day on the beach. There’s something timeless about its charm. Boats bobbing gently in the water, seagulls wheeling overhead, and the steady hum of chatter from fellow crabbers creates a peaceful backdrop.

As soon as we arrived Gabriel spotted other families with their crabbing lines already in the water. He was eager to find a spot and get started. “Mummy, which bait do you think will win bacon or chicken?” he asked, eyes wide with anticipation. For Gabriel, crabbing wasn’t just a casual activity—it was an epic hunt for sea creatures, and he was ready for the challenge of testing two different baits, our usual bacon bait vs some left over chicken.

The Setup: Crabbing for Beginners

Crabbing at Mudeford is wonderfully simple, all you need is a bucket, a line, some bait, and a little patience. For Gabriel, though, patience wasn’t exactly on the agenda. The minute we lowered our line into the water, he was peering over the edge, willing the crabs to bite.

The quay was full of families, some seasoned crabbers with an array of gear and others like us—just there to have fun and soak up the atmosphere. There’s a wonderful sense of community at Mudeford, with children, parents and grandparents alike sharing tips, and admiring each other’s catches. Gabriel quickly made friends with the other children around us, excitedly comparing crabbing techniques.

The Waiting Game: Lessons in Patience

Crabbing is a slow game, and for Gabriel, waiting is half the challenge. Every few minutes, he’d reel in the line to check for crabs, only to find it empty. “Why aren’t they coming, Mum?” he asked, his little forehead creased in concentration.

I smiled and reminded him that crabbing, like many things in life, takes time and patience. As we waited, we chatted about the crabs we might catch. It was one of those rare moments where time seemed to slow down, and I realised how important these simple, quiet moments are.

For Gabriel, though, the anticipation was building.

The First Catch: A Moment of Pure Joy

And then, finally, it happened. After what felt like hours (but was probably only 20 minutes), Gabriel’s eyes lit up, he reeled in his line slowly, carefully. There it was—a crab, hanging on to the bait. Gabriel let out a triumphant cheer, and I couldn’t help but beam with pride.

“Mum, we caught one! Look at him!” Gabriel exclaimed, his excitement infectious. We gently placed the crab in our bucket, filled with seawater to keep it comfortable. Gabriel crouched down beside the bucket, watching in fascination as the crab scuttled around. He was mesmerised, completely absorbed in observing the creature’s every movement.

Gabriel was eager to catch more, he didn’t care whether we caught another big crab or a small one—each was a treasure to him, a little marvel of nature.

The Great Bait Experiment: Bacon vs. Chicken

This year, Gabriel and I decided to put our crabbing skills to the test with a little friendly competition. Gabriel was adamant about using the tried-and-true bacon as his bait, while I opted for chicken scraps. It was all set—Gabriel’s bacon on one line, my chicken on the other—and we eagerly waited to see which would prove to be the crab favourite.

To Gabriel's absolute delight (and my amusement), his bacon was a hit. With crabs clawing away at the bacon as if it were a gourmet meal. Meanwhile, my chicken scraps seemed to attract less attention from our crustacean friends. “Mummy, I told you crabs like bacon better!” Gabriel said with a cheeky grin, clearly thrilled that his choice had won the day.

By the end of our crabbing session, his line had caught more crabs than mine, making him the undisputed bait champion of Mudeford Quay.

The Crab Liberation: A Lesson in Respecting Nature

Gabriel was proud of our haul, but as the afternoon sun started to dip, we knew it was time to release them.

Together, gently tipped the bucket, watching as the crabs scurried back into the sea.

“Goodbye, crabs! Have fun swimming!” Gabriel called after them, waving as if they were long-lost friends. It was a small, sweet moment, but one that captured the essence of the day—a lesson in patience, respect for nature, and the simple joys of childhood.

Reflections on the Day: More Than Just Crabbing

As we packed up our things and headed back home, Gabriel was still buzzing with excitement. He talked non-stop about the crabs, the other families we met, and how he couldn’t wait to come back and do it all over again. For me, though, the day was about more than just crabbing.

It was a reminder of how precious these moments are, there’s something magical about slowing down, disconnecting from the demands of work, and just being present with your child. Gabriel and I didn’t need a big event or elaborate plans—we just needed a bucket, a line some bacon, and the calm waters of Mudeford Quay to create memories that would stay with us for years.

Why Crabbing is the Perfect Family Activity

If you’re a parent looking for a simple, affordable, and fun day out, I can’t recommend crabbing at Mudeford Quay enough. It’s the kind of activity that allows kids to explore nature, develop patience, and enjoy some old-fashioned fun. There’s no rush, no pressure—just you, your family, and the calming rhythm of the water.

It’s the perfect way to unplug and connect with your children. It’s easy to forget how much value there is in these small, everyday adventures. Whether you catch one crab or twenty, it’s the time spent together that matters.