The Louisiana blue crab has a disagreeable nature and strange looks, but it more than compensates for these drawbacks by being one of the tastiest macro-invertebrates and certainly our state's most abundant.

From May through September, crabbing is a popular family activity along the trail, and you can catch your own meal. Stop at any one of the many small bridges crossing the canals or seek out prime crabbing locations at trailside waterways in the Sabine and Rockefeller Refuges.

All you need is thick string, appropriate bait - turkey or chicken necks, cut fish or chunks of meat - a dip net for scooping, and a pail for the crabs