Alternatively, you can use a wooden bushel basket to store the crabs. This method is ideal for commercial Watermen.
Alternatively, you can place ice, covered with a moist cloth, at the bottom of the cooler. However, you will need to drain the water from the melted ice periodically. Any standing water can cause the crabs to suffocate. [4] X Research source Do not put ice or ice packs on top of the crabs.
Place the cooler in a dark, shaded area away from the sun. This will also prevent the crab’s gills from drying out. [5] X Research source Blue crabs can live out of the water for up to 24 hours as long as they are kept cool and moist. [6] X Research source
Alternatively, you can buy a specially designed wooden box to store the crabs in. This method is ideal if you live near the water where the crabs were caught. If not, use the cooler method to store the crabs.
When you buy the mesh, the dimensions should be at least one inch larger than the size of your bucket. Use a heavy duty staple gun to fasten the mesh to the sides of the bucket.
Do not refrigerate them. Because the temperatures in a refrigerator are too cold, refrigeration will kill blue crabs.
Never cook dead crabs.
