gus's crabby adventures

This was the best part of our entire trip to Florida. Our family of 4 took Gus's boat out in the Little Manatee River. We had the best time. Everyone took turns crabbing even my girly girl daughter of 19. Gus pointed out many different birds and fish and told us stories. Then we came back and had this delicious lunch he prepares. Crab Salad, Fried Shrimp, Hush Puppies where served and when you thought you were done Gus brings out fried fish, which we discovered was fresh water catfish, something I would have never eaten, but tried. Then came out the soft shell crab, which Gus demonstrated how to eat. Then Gus brought out the steam blue crabs. We had a great time and ate like royalty. Gus provided us with doggie bags so we could enjoy the leftovers. Another great benefit about this trip was it was just my family and Gus. It was very informative and I believe Gus enjoys sharing his knowledge and taking everyone out so they can experience what he has done for 40 years. He is a very friendly warm person and we enjoyed his company. This entire adventure took 4 hours.

This is the first tour I've gone on, where I actually feel like I developed a new skill. Captain Gus provides a great experience catching crabs in his crab traps and then teaches all his guests do it for themselves. He provides just enough direction, so we got a good feel for what crabbing is like. You get to pull the traps out of the Little Manatee River, unload the crabs, bait the traps with fish, and then flip the traps back into the river. Although this is the first we met Gus, it felt like we were going out with a good friend who wanted to pass on his knowledge of crabbing. And, to make it all perfect, Gus cooks up a wonderful meal of crab, fish, shrimp, and outstanding hush puppies. He knows what he's doing and he loves doing it, so it will benefit you to take advantage of Gus' Crabby Adventures.

This trip is one of the BEST adventures I've experienced in the 7 winters I've visited Florida! Gus is such a great guy...so knowledgeable, accomplished, and entertaining! Our group of 6 had such a fabulous time looking around Gus's "fish camp"...his place is adorable. After he fed the yellow-crested night heron who's been a "visitor" for the past 15 years, we loaded the boat and headed out. We toured Tampa Bay, saw dolphins, shorebirds, a bald eagle, and LOTS of crab trap buoys. Gus demonstrated and explained the whole procedure for pulling up the buoys that had the traps attached and then dumping the catch into a tub on the boat. Next, anyone who wanted to suited up in the yellow apron and started catching crabs! 5 of us tried our hands at it and were pretty good. We checked around 50 traps before heading back to camp. When we arrived back at the dock, we were welcomed with cold drinks and fresh crab salad while Gus cooked up the most delicious fried soft-shell crab, steamed crab, hush-puppies to-die-for, and fish filets. Be sure you come hungry and ready for adventure!

What an amazing day we had! Met Captain Gus at his authentic rustic home on Tampa Bay at 9 a.m. Hopped aboard his crabbing boat and toured a bit of Tampa Bay while watching dolphins and shore birds at play. Next, Gus headed towards the Little Manatee River where he demonstrated the correct way to hook a crab trap, pull it into the boat, empty the trap, bait it, then return it to the water. Everyone got a chance to be a crabber for a day! Weather forced us to return to Gus' home a little early, but we were in for a treat upon our arrival. Cold drinks and delicious crab salad awaited us. Gus prepared a memorable meal with the atmosphere to go along with it. The hearty meal included hush puppies, fried soft shell crab, cole slaw, steamed crab, fried fish, grilled shrimp and stone crab. Gus is an experienced, knowledgeable captain and we all enjoyed his stories about living in the area and crabbing for 40+ years. Each person in our party of 6 declared they'd repeat this trip in the near future.