Wanchese Celebrates Crabbing Charters and Soft Shell Crab Week

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News Summary

Wanchese, North Carolina, is abuzz with excitement as local fisherman Marc Mitchum launches OBX Crabbing and Shrimping Charters, offering hands-on educational fishing adventures. Additionally, from May 20, the town hosts its inaugural Soft Shell Crab Week, featuring nearly 20 local restaurants showcasing delicious crab dishes, drawing visitors to experience the vibrant seafood culture of the Outer Banks.

Exciting Times in Wanchese: Crabbing Charters and Soft Shell Crab Week

Wanchese, North Carolina, is bubbling with excitement as local fisherman and captain of the fishing vessel Jodie Kae, Marc Mitchum, dives headfirst into an innovative venture. Known for his skill with the famed Atlantic blue crabs—those delightful crustaceans boasting sweet meat and gorgeous green-blue colors that transform to a vibrant red-orange when cooked—Mitchum is transforming his traditional fishing operations into something exciting! With the launch of his new business, OBX Crabbing and Shrimping Charters, he’s inviting locals and tourists alike to join him on educational excursions in the beautiful waters of the Outer Banks.

Join the Fun: A Crabbing Adventure Awaits

Imagine stepping aboard a boat for two hours to half a day of hands-on fun as you learn all about crabbing and shrimping. With charters priced attractively between $300 to $475 for groups of six, this is not just a fishing trip; it’s a chance to engage with marine life. Guests are encouraged to lend a hand in pulling up crab pots and handling their catch during this educational adventure. Mitchum operates 400 crab pots throughout the stunning Croatan and Roanoke sounds, each marked with his signature blue and black buoys, guiding visitors to a high-flying fishing experience.

During these excursions, participants can expect to haul in crabs, shrimp, and even fish! But hold on—there are rules to abide by. All crabs caught must measure up to the legal size of at least 5 inches before they can be kept. Fortunately, any freshly caught crabs can be taken to the nearby Sugar Shack restaurant in Nags Head, where they can be prepared and served with a delightful twist. The rustic fish market and oyster bar is famous for steaming crabs sprinkled with spicy Old Bay seasoning—all for a small fee!

Savoring the Taste of Local Delicacies

After an exhilarating day on the water, many guests can be found enjoying a delicious meal of crabs, shrimp po’boys, sweet potato fries, and crispy fried okra alongside a refreshing local beer at Sugar Shack. Talk about a perfect ending to a day of crabbing!

Dive into Soft Shell Crab Week!

As if that weren’t enough to entice seafood lovers, Wanchese is also celebrating the inaugural Soft Shell Crab Week, running through May 20. This exciting event is designed to highlight the culinary delights of local restaurants that are featuring mouthwatering soft shell crab dishes. With nearly 20 eateries participating, including fan favorites like Lucky 12 Tavern and Two Roads Tavern, diners can explore unique soft shell crab specials set around a price of just $12.

Mark Ballog, owner of Lucky 12 Tavern, along with other local restaurateurs, has taken inspiration from food festivals across the country to create this specially themed week. Think of it as a festival dedicated solely to celebrating these exquisite crabs that arrive just in time to bridge the charming gap between Mother’s Day and the busy summer season.

Wanchese in the Spotlight

The Outer Banks recently gained national recognition thanks to the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.” The show highlighted six local restaurants, raising awareness and drawing attention to the community. Guy Fieri, the charismatic host, treated his family and viewers to scrumptious seafood while spending time in Wanchese—a combination of family reunion and food adventure that’s turned out to be a video sensation!

As a result, restaurants in Wanchese are experiencing a surge in visitors eager to taste the local fare that has taken center stage. Business owners eagerly anticipate the economic boost from the combined efforts of the Soft Shell Crab Week and the popularity of the featured eateries from the show.

Wrapping Up

With innovative charters led by Mitchum and the excitement of Soft Shell Crab Week, Wanchese is proving to be a vibrant spot for seafood lovers to bask in the beauty and flavors of the Outer Banks. So, whether you’re diving into the waves to catch dinner or indulging in a culinary feast from local chefs, this coastal town promises an unforgettable experience!

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Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER

The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.