La crayfish fishing It is somewhat controversial in the continental waters of the peninsula. Let us remember that the cred crab is considered as invasive, (very different from the native) being its fishing allowed under certain premises, which are more related to other species and the ecosystem itself.
Let's check how crayfish fishing occurs in Asturias, since the community has magnificent and prolific river fishing areas that allow a good presence of these in various areas.
Generalities of crayfish
- The two species of invasive crabs, suitable for fishing, are the crab sign and Red, also called American or of the marshes.
- Unlike the signal (brown in color with whitish markings on its claws), the red crab has an intense shade of that color with long, spiny claws.
- The red crab is one of the most sought after for sport fishing, however, it is recommended never reintroduce to other waters and make an excellent cleaning and disinfection of the material used in their fishing, since being the carrier of a particular fungus, it can affect the native crayfish.
Crayfish fishing in Asturias
At Great Principality of Asturias There are many rivers with important populations of crabs for fishing. In all the Asturian fluvial waters, from the smallest stream to the most important river, we can find an abundance of crabs.
The ideal for red crab fishing is to locate in the areas where their presence is greater and do it during the day, without much problem. Signal crabs, on the other hand, seek the mid-day heat to be active for their hunting moment.
Where can we fish for crabs in the rivers of Asturias
Let's stand out two of the great tributaries where getting good crayfish prey is quite possible.
Nalon
Regarded as one of the one of the great Asturian rivers. As a curious fact, its main basin occupies almost 50% of the Principality in general.
With its almost 130 km in length, it has excellent tributaries where crayfish fishing will be perfect.
Sella
Other one of the most important in Asturias. Its route is near the port of El Pontón, in the province of León. Throughout its length, it has a well-earned fame as a river with a variety of crabs and, obviously, the protagonists of its waters, salmon.
Its history is linked to the culture of fishing, this is because its inhabitants have carried out the practice in an artisanal and commercial way since the first settlers settled in the region centuries ago.
Something to highlight about this and all the rivers in Asturias is the decline that has been evidenced of the native crayfish, which is not allowed for fishing as such. The reason for this is its own alteration of river ecosystems, in addition to the presence of exotic species, carriers of diseases, such as the American red crab that is responsible for the terrible disease of the fungus that sickens the crayfish that is much less resistant to it.
Good control over invasive species and care and respect for the native species is always necessary.
