Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009

FEELING CRABBY?

If you're fishing for something to do with the kids, take part in "A Crabby Experience" on Tuesday mornings through Aug. 25 at the Myrtle Beach State Park, 4401 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach.

Assistant interpretive ranger Amanda Taylor, one of several MBSP rangers at the nature center who oversees the class, says it is instructional and fun for all ages (5 and younger must be accompanied by a parent). "We teach them how to crab, of course, to catch and release, but it's also fun to see what kind of diversity they can catch - from crabs to fish to snails to clams," she says. "We also teach them conservation of species, because we don't keep anything.

"When people come to this program, the first one we have of the week, people get hooked into coming to all of our classes for the rest of the wee," she adds.

Here are the "crabby" essentials: • Time: 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, but meet at the pier at 9:30 a.m. with your own bait or buy some at the pier shop (raw chicken with bone is recommended, which is sold at the pier). • Rate: Free with park admission (5 and younger free, $1.50 ages 6 to 15, and $4 ages 16 and older), plus $3 for trap rental.

• Bring something to drink and wear sunscreen.

• Contact: 238-0874 or www.myrtlebeachsp.com.