Where to go crabbing in the Isle of Skye

Where to go crabbing in the Isle of Skye. If you are regular readers of Mudpie Fridays then you will know that the boys love to go crabbing! In fact, we tend to hunt out crabbing spots on every holiday around the U.K. coast. When we travelled to Scotland in the Summer it was no different. Although it doesn’t seem to be such a thing in Scotland, as we did not see a single shop selling crabbing nets or lines. So make sure you bring yours with you!  While in Scotland we went crabbing twice, once on the Isle of Skye. And also on the mainland when we stayed on the  West Coast just outside of Ayr. 

Where to go crabbing on the Isle of Skye

We stayed in Portree during our short break and so our activities were focused on the top right side of the Island. Mainly within the Trotternish Loop which we also drove with the children. Portree itself has a jetty that boats use and we did see some children trying their hand at fishing thereafter our return from Whale Watching. But we did not try crabbing, so I can not comment on whether it is a good spot or not. 

We instead went crabbing in Uig on the pier. Uig is a ferry port where you can also catch a ferry to the Outer Hebrides Islands of Harris and Uist. It is a working port and there were a number of fishing boats that came in while we were crabbing at the end of the pier.  

This was something that fascinated the boys they loved watching the catch get unloaded. We were even given some free prawn tails for our lunch off of one of the boats. I do not think I have ever eaten fresher shellfish in my life. 

Crabbing in Uig Isle of Skye

The first thing to mention is that there is nowhere to buy crabbing nets or buckets. Although there is a small Mace next to the port where we picked up some bacon. There is also plenty of parking and you will also find the Sky brewery shop nearby. As this is a working pier it is worth noting that the first part of the pier does have cars that go up and down it, to get on and off the ferry. However, there is a path that goes up one side all the way to the end which is where we positioned ourselves. Avoiding the ladders used by the fishing boats we were based opposite where the ferry docks. 

Where to catch crab in Skye

We were there for just under two hours and managed to catch nine crabs. Including a hermit crab which was our first catch. Having never caught a hermit crab before the boys were fascinated by him. He was less chuffed with meeting us though. 

The unusual catches continued on our trip, as we also managed to catch a couple of starfish at different points. One was very large the same size as my husband hand. The other was a little smaller. I had no idea that starfish liked bacon or that they could move quickly enough to get inside the net! Needless to say, we returned them very quickly to the water. But it really did make it the best crabbing trip we have ever had. And it is the trip that the boys have been talking about all Summer. 

Grey Seal spotting in Uig Isle of Skye

It was not just the unusual catches that make Uig such a great place to go crabbing. The working fishing boats also attracted other wildlife. As well as seagulls there was a grey seal that appeared. Obviously waiting patiently for some fish to be thrown in his direction. At one point I thought it was banging the water with its flippers to try and attract their attention. 

Speaking to someone else they also said they had seen a Sea Otter the previous day in the same place. The outlook is by far the nicest place we have ever crabbed. I would really recommend spending a couple of hours giving it a go and taking in the stunning scenery. 

If you have enjoyed this…

Then these posts may also interest you.  Uig is also not far from Staffin Bay. Which has a lovely sandy beach, quiet outlook and you have the opportunity to find some Dinosaur Prints with the kids. 

https://mudpiefridays.com/where-to-find-dinosaur-prints-on-the-isle-of-skye/

https://mudpiefridays.com/isle-of-skye-road-trip-guide/

Where is the best place you have gone crabbing? I would love to hear about it in the comments below

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