Crabbing is a fascinating activity. Debate exists over which time of year is best for crabbing. Generally speaking it seems that late April till the middle of May is preferred. Is that when you like to go?
I've found it better to go Late May to Early September. Do you know anything about the mating behavior of crabs?
I know it has some very interesting aspects to it. A fascinating component of the process is that females can retain sperm for a year or longer before eggs are extruded. This way, they can wait until warmer weather for the eggs to hatch. That's a great level of control!
Interesting. And how soon after they lay the eggs do they hatch?
The eggs will hatch at some point between one and two weeks, at which point they are known as zoea larvae.
And do female crabs leave the eggs right after they lay them? 
No. When the eggs pass from the crab's body, they are deposited under something called the apron, which is the abdomen in a curled-under position. The eggs attach to small appendages there until they hatch.
Oh wow I had no idea! I'm curious because when I go crabbing, males and females come in waves. I wanted to learn about why.
Depending on the time of year, they can be swept from one area to another very easily. For instance, in late autumn, they are typically swept offshore to low-lying sandbars. So it depends on the time of year and the vagaries of the water.
Yes, I crab on the shores. In the marshy areas and estuaries so this makes sense. Do females then move after the eggs hatch?
Yes, when the eggs hatch, they instantly burst when they make contact with the water and they then float along with the plankton. The mother's job is then done and she can continue on her way!
How long does it take for a crab to become a full adult?
It usually takes between 18 and 20 molts before a crab becomes an adult (within one year). The amount of growth can vary from molt to molt.