How Our Favorite Sea Creatures of Chesapeake Bay Spend Wintertime
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The winter activities of Maryland’s favorite Chesapeake Bay sea creatures will vary because every species has a different tolerance for winter temperatures. Most sea creatures will not be hibernating but will migrate to warmer areas instead.
Striped Bass
When winter comes, the Chesapeake’s striped bass are mostly inclined to swim south for the warmer waters of North Carolina and Virginia capes. However, some hardy ones will spend the entire winter in the Bay. Once it is spring or early summer, the striped bass that migrated will return to spawn in the Chesapeake Bay’s tidal tributaries.
Blue Crab
In 1989, our state designated the Maryland Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun) as the official State Crustacean, one of The Crab Shack’s favorite menu items.
When water temperatures begin cooling, blue crabs begin migrating from their shallow summer homes to the deeper waters of the Bay. They burrow into the sand or mud at the bottom, where they lie dormant all winter.
Although the above is not considered hibernation in a technical sense, blue crabs will stay inactive until the water temperature climbs over 50 degrees Fahrenheit. As cold water makes them sluggish, blue crabs are easier to track for research. This is why experts use the months from December to March to survey the blue crab population yearly.
Oysters
The Crab Shack loves oysters, offering several menu items featuring delicious shellfish. You can also enjoy the raw oyster bar at our Crofton branch.
Unlike other Chesapeake Bay creatures, our local oysters are not fazed by the cold water temperatures of winter. Typically, they are in their best shape and flavor during winter and early spring. Think of their prime oyster season as September to April, the “R” months of the year.
Prep for Your Crab Feast Here: The Crab Shack Menus for Crofton and Edgewater.
Seeking Super Seafood?
Lovers of super seafood, including fat, juicy crab, don’t have to drive to Baltimore, Ocean City, Hooper’s Island, or Annapolis anymore. Stay close to home and enjoy wonderful deliciousness all year round at the two locations below!
Our Crofton branch can accommodate a large party group, so if you are interested in reserving tables, please call (443) 302-2680.
