Ever felt the sharp pinch of a crab claw right through your thin gardening gloves? That sudden, surprising sting can quickly turn a fun crabbing trip into a painful memory. Crabs are tough creatures, and protecting your hands is more important than just comfort; it’s about safety.
Choosing the perfect pair of gloves for crabbing is surprisingly tricky. You need something strong enough to resist those powerful claws, but flexible enough to grip your net or bait. Too thick, and you lose dexterity; too thin, and you risk a nasty nip. Many people end up with gloves that are either too bulky or not tough enough for the job.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what features matter most in a crabbing glove—from material strength to grip quality. By the end, you will know precisely which gloves offer the best protection and performance for your next outing.
Ready to ditch the damaged hands and grab your catch with confidence? Let’s dive into the best gloves for your crabbing adventure.
Top Gloves For Crabbing Recommendations
No. 1
Schwer 2 Pairs ANSI A7 Cut Resistant Fishing Gloves, CR3009 Touchscreen Compatible Work Gloves for Men and Women, Non Slip, Ideal for Fishing, Hunting, Hiking, Cycling, and Outdoor Activities, L
- ANSI A7 Cut Resistant - Our fishing gloves meet ANSI A7 standards, offering outstanding protection against medium to heavy cut hazards. Perfect for handling fishing lines, filleting fish, cleaning, and other outdoor tasks, these gloves ensure your hands stay safe during all your fishing and outdoor adventures
- Superior Abrasion and Durability - Featuring a sandy nitrile coating, these gloves provide excellent abrasion resistance and a secure grip, even in wet or slippery conditions. Ideal for gripping fish, handling wet gear, or managing sharp tools, they are built to withstand the rigors of outdoor activities
- Flexibility and Touchscreen Compatibility - Designed for superior flexibility and touchscreen compatibility, these gloves allow you to operate your smartphone, camera, or GPS without taking them off. This feature ensures you can capture your catch, navigate, or stay connected while keeping your hands protected
- Get More for Your Money - Available in a practical two-pair pack and multiple sizes, these washable and reusable gloves offer excellent value for fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts. With an extra pair always ready, you'll be prepared for any adventure, whether you're fishing, hiking, or climbing
- Wide Range of Uses - Suitable for fishermen, anglers, hunters, photographers, cyclists, hikers, runners, shooters, and other outdoor athletes, these gloves are versatile and reliable. They provide top-notch hand protection and enhance grip, reducing the risk of injuries across a variety of outdoor activities and sports
No. 2
D Vein Lobster Gloves for Diving Kevlar Spearfishing Dive Glove Puncture Resistant (Large)
- MADE WITH KEVLAR FIBER MATERIAL: Unlike nylon, leather and high-performance polyethylene gloves, which are often used to make sport diving gloves, Kevlar fiber is both incredibly cut-proof and durable. The material is also inherently flame-retardant, so they won't burn or melt; making our fishing gloves an optimal choice for those who encounter cuts, abrasions, or heat while on the job or for sport.
- ALL AROUND PROTECTION: Our D-Vein Gloves for Lobstering are designed to keep your hands safe throughout the lobster diving experience. Aside from the Kevlar material, the palms have a non-slip grip, so you don’t have to worry about your catch-of-the-day wiggling away or accidentally cutting yourself while deveining or filleting. The topside of our gloves is coated in rubber armor that protects your skin from sharp objects like reef and rocks and the elastic cuffs mold perfectly to your wrist.
- EASY TO USE: Many scuba glove products are difficult to use due to their stiff and bulky composition. Gloves that aren’t pliable for a firm grasp can make lobstering or fishing a nuisance. With the D’Vein Lobster Gloves, you will immediately notice how exceptionally soft and flexible they are on the inside, so you can freely use your fingers without any force from the glove. The material is sturdy, yet thin and comfortable so you won’t feel like you are wearing bulky, awkward gloves.
- MADE FOR MORE THAN LOBSTERING: While we pride ourselves on being a quality product designed for lobster diving, we also aimed to make a versatile glove for multiple water sports and activities. Because our product provided a firm grip and flexible fingers, you can utilize them for many water-related activities. Use these gloves for spearfishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, filleting, or swimming around the reef. They are so light, you’ll forget you have them on.
- EASY TO WASH AND DRIES QUICKLY: If you are out on the water a lot, these are perfect for you. Salty water, combined with the scent of fish and blood, make for an unpleasant smelling glove by the end of the day. Luckily, our product can be thrown right in the washing machine without worrying about ruining their integrity. Leave them out to air dry overnight and you’ll find that they are good to go the next day. Our gloves are so versatile and convenient, you’ll never want to wear any other kind.
No. 3
MCR Safety 6521SCO Double Dipped PVC Foam Lined Sandy Finish Men's Gloves with Rubberized Safety Cuff, Orange, Large, 1-Pair
- Double dipped men's gloves with foam lined, rubberized safety cuff and act fresh
- Made of PVC material with sandy finish
- Gloves features foam-insulated to keep hands warm and dry, Special liquid-resistant coating for flexibility even in freezing weather
- Comes with 10-12 white cotton/poly thread stitches per inch and wing thumb Type
- Available in Orange color and large size
No. 4
Tuff Shell Cut Resistant Lobstering Gloves, Touchscreen Capable, Crab Gloves, Diving Gloves, Lobster Diving Gloves, Spearfishing Glove (Large)
- NEW* TOUCHSCREEN CAPABILITY: Take a selfie with your latest catch! Our gloves now come with touchscreen capability for all 5 fingers to help you easily capture the moment!
- CUT RESISTANT - Liner is made up of HPPE (High Performance Polyethylene), providing cut and tear resistance when handling lobster. HPPE is also abrasion resistant prolonging the life of the glove.
- WHOLE HAND PROTECTION – While the nitrile coating gives added protection for the palm, the TPR (Thermo-Plastic Rubber) panels on the back of the glove provide back-of-hand safety from coral and other rough surfaces. This rubber armor is designed to give you full range of motion.
- GET A GRIP – Your catch isn’t getting away! The sandy textured nitrile coating on the palm of the glove is oil proof and provides grip when holding lobsters or other slippery sea life.
- COMFORTABLE - The HPPE liner is seamless and woven to provide the best fit and flex while using the gloves.
No. 5
Schwer A4 AIR-SKIN Cut Resistant Work Gloves with Extreme Lightweight & Thin, Grip Gloves for Fishing, Refined Work, Mechanic, Gardening Gifts, Touch-Screen, 3D-Comfort Fit, 1 Pair, L, AR3900
- ULTRA-THIN & PROTECTION - When you slide your hand into these cut resistant gloves, you will be struck by their lightweight, snug-fitting design and may question their protective capabilities. But rest assured, the Schwer glove offers serious hand protection for serious professionals who demand best-in-class performance.
- SECOND SKIN COMFORT - Featuring state-of-the-art cut-resistant composite yarns, these lightweight, snug-fitting 18-gauge seamless knit gloves offer the closest experience to working barehanded while maintaining protection against cuts, punctures, and abrasion. They are highly flexible at work and well-suited for precision tasks.
- CUTTING LEVEL FOR MEDIUM DUTY - These cut proof gloves are rated ANSI A4 cut resistant. This medium level of protection safeguards against significant cutting hazards encountered in tasks such as assembly detail work, package handling, warehouse operations, and wire handling, They are also well-suited for a wide range of applications including woodworking, fishing, construction, Mechanic and gardening.
- STRONG GRIP IN ALL CONDITIONS - These cutting gloves feature a sandy nitrile coating. The properties of nitrile rubber—excellent waterproofing, oil resistance, and anti-slip performance—ensure a strong grip in humid, dry, and oily conditions. A reinforced thumb crotch enhances overall durability.
- 100% SAFE TO USE - These fishing gloves are free from fiberglass—an irritating material that can cause red, itchy rashes upon skin contact. They are 100% safe and guaranteed to be free of harmful substances. These gloves are an excellent choice for anyone with a fiberglass allergy.
No. 6
COOLJOB Waterproof Winter Freezer Gloves for Working Gardening Fishing Construction Worker, Double Coated Rubber for Warehouse Cold Refrigeration House, 1 Pair Large Blue
- WATERPROOF DOUBLE COATING - Fully waterproof & windproof latex coating to prevent cold air & water. Durable sandy latex on palm & fingers to offer extra protection. Double coated work gloves deliver anti-slip grip when working with tools. High-visibility bright blue enhances worker protection and compliance. Additional black coating to hide dirt & mud.
- GIFT PACKAGE - Waterproof garden glove for cold weather in premium packaging from COOLJOB, ideal for you and your loved ones. A must have waterproof gloves for gardeners. Perfect gift for friends, families, colleagues on birthday and holidays.
- WARM FLEECE FOR WINTER - Extra soft terry inner keeps your hands warm in freezing weather. 15 gauge high-elastic polyester base to fit snugly, Four sizes available for men & women. A curved shape, with the finest double latex coating, reduces hand fatigue and allows workers to perform either detailed tasks with ease.
- WORK GLOVES FOR COLD WEATHER - Keep your hands comfortable and warm for snow shoveling, gardening, washing, fishing, handling, repairing, driving, DIY & home improvement in cold winter. Excellent performance in dry, damp & wet condition, also in lightly oily condition.
- DEVOTED CUSTOMER SERVICE - Genuine COOLJOB waterproof work gloves, trademark filed in U.S.A. For U.S customers, we offer One Month Free Trial & Free Lifetime Customer Service.
No. 7
D Vein Lobster Gloves for Diving Kevlar Spearfishing Dive Glove Puncture Resistant (Medium)
- MADE WITH KEVLAR FIBER MATERIAL: Unlike nylon, leather and high-performance polyethylene gloves, which are often used to make sport diving gloves, Kevlar fiber is both incredibly cut-proof and durable. The material is also inherently flame-retardant, so they won't burn or melt; making our fishing gloves an optimal choice for those who encounter cuts, abrasions, or heat while on the job or for sport.
- ALL AROUND PROTECTION: Our D-Vein Gloves for Lobstering are designed to keep your hands safe throughout the lobster diving experience. Aside from the Kevlar material, the palms have a non-slip grip, so you don’t have to worry about your catch-of-the-day wiggling away or accidentally cutting yourself while deveining or filleting. The topside of our gloves is coated in rubber armor that protects your skin from sharp objects like reef and rocks and the elastic cuffs mold perfectly to your wrist.
- EASY TO USE: Many scuba glove products are difficult to use due to their stiff and bulky composition. Gloves that aren’t pliable for a firm grasp can make lobstering or fishing a nuisance. With the D’Vein Lobster Gloves, you will immediately notice how exceptionally soft and flexible they are on the inside, so you can freely use your fingers without any force from the glove. The material is sturdy, yet thin and comfortable so you won’t feel like you are wearing bulky, awkward gloves.
- MADE FOR MORE THAN LOBSTERING: While we pride ourselves on being a quality product designed for lobster diving, we also aimed to make a versatile glove for multiple water sports and activities. Because our product provided a firm grip and flexible fingers, you can utilize them for many water-related activities. Use these gloves for spearfishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, filleting, or swimming around the reef. They are so light, you’ll forget you have them on.
- EASY TO WASH AND DRIES QUICKLY: If you are out on the water a lot, these are perfect for you. Salty water, combined with the scent of fish and blood, make for an unpleasant smelling glove by the end of the day. Luckily, our product can be thrown right in the washing machine without worrying about ruining their integrity. Leave them out to air dry overnight and you’ll find that they are good to go the next day. Our gloves are so versatile and convenient, you’ll never want to wear any other kind.
No. 8
Fish Handling/Cleaning Gloves Textured Grip Palm Soft Lining Fillet Gloves – One Size Fits Most L to XL
- FISHING GLOVES / FISH HANDLING GLOVES! These fishing gloves for men / fishing gloves for women are perfect to use as fish cleaning gloves and fish fillet gloves.
- PROTECT YOUR HANDS FROM SLIMY FISH – These fishing gloves have a specially designed surface on the fingers and palms to give you grip on slimy fish so you can take them off the hook without getting your hands full of nasty fish slime.
- TEXTURED GRIP PALMS & FINGERS – These fishing gloves have a specially designed grip surface on the fingers and palms to give you a tight grip on your rod, fish, bait and fishing line. Great gloves for fishing! Also works as shucking gloves, crabbing gloves, fisherman gloves, angler gloves, fish gloves/fish glove, shucking glove, crab gloves, fillet glove, fish gloves.
- GREAT FOR HANDLING BAIT & FISH – These fishing gloves are specially designed for those who hate touching stinky fish and bait. Don’t like touching worms? Don’t like handling slimy fish? Have friends and family who won’t help take fish off the hook?. These make prefect fishing gloves for men fishing gloves for women because you can touch fish and bait while keeping your hands clean.
- ONE SIZE FITS MOST (L to XL) SIZE - Designed to fit well on most men’s large to extra-large hands for a natural and comfortable feel.
Your Essential Guide to Choosing the Best Crabbing Gloves
Crabbing is fun, but those claws are sharp! You need the right gloves to keep your hands safe and your catch secure. This guide helps you pick the perfect pair for your next trip.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for gloves that offer the best protection and grip. These features make crabbing easier and safer.
- Puncture Resistance: This is the most important feature. Good gloves stop crab claws from poking through. Look for thick material, especially around the palms and fingers.
- Excellent Grip: Crabs are slippery, and so are wet ropes or baskets. Gloves should have textured palms or rubberized coatings. This helps you hold onto your catch firmly.
- Waterproofing: You will be working near or in water. Gloves must keep your hands dry. Fully waterproof gloves prevent cold and discomfort.
- Dexterity: You still need to use your fingers to tie knots or bait traps. Gloves shouldn’t be so bulky that you cannot move your hands well.
- Cuff Length: Longer cuffs protect your wrists and lower forearms from splashes or surprise pinches.
Important Materials for Durability and Comfort
The material determines how long your gloves last and how comfortable they feel. Different materials offer different levels of protection.
Durable Outer Layers
- Heavy-Duty Rubber/Latex: These materials offer superior waterproofing and excellent puncture resistance. They are often used on the palm and finger areas.
- Nitrile: Nitrile is tough and resists cuts well. It often provides a better grip than smooth rubber.
- Vinyl (PVC): This is common for budget-friendly options. It resists water but might tear easier than rubber or nitrile.
Comfortable Linings
The inside material matters, especially when you wear gloves for a long time.
- Cotton or Fleece Lining: Linings add warmth and absorb sweat. This keeps your hands comfortable even during long crabbing sessions in cool weather.
- Neoprene: Often used in diving gear, neoprene lining offers great insulation against cold water.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Glove Quality
Not all gloves are made the same. A few details separate a great pair from a frustrating one.
What Makes Gloves Better
- Seam Strength: Strong, double-stitched seams prevent water from leaking in and stop the glove from falling apart quickly.
- Adjustable Closures: Velcro or strap closures at the wrist seal out water and keep the gloves securely in place.
- Pre-Curved Fingers: Gloves that naturally curve like your hand reduce hand fatigue during extended use.
What Lowers Glove Quality
- Thin Palms: If the material is too thin, claws will poke through easily.
- Poor Fit: Gloves that are too loose make gripping hard. Gloves that are too tight restrict blood flow and reduce dexterity.
- Non-Textured Surfaces: A smooth, slick surface makes handling wet ropes or struggling crabs very difficult.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you crab. This helps you choose the right glove thickness.
- Recreational Shore Crabbing: If you are just dipping your hands in shallow water or pulling up pots near the dock, mid-weight rubber gloves with good grip work well. Focus on dexterity.
- Commercial or Heavy-Duty Trapping: If you handle large, aggressive crabs or work in cold, deep water, you need the thickest, fully insulated, and longest-cuffed gloves available. Protection is the top priority here.
- Cold Weather Crabbing: Always choose gloves with neoprene or fleece lining. Cold hands lose feeling, which means you lose grip and safety.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Crabbing Gloves
Q: Do I really need special gloves for crabbing?
A: Yes. Regular gardening gloves usually are not thick enough to stop sharp crab claws from poking through. Special crabbing gloves offer necessary puncture protection.
Q: What is the most important feature in a crabbing glove?
A: Puncture resistance is the most important feature. You must protect your hands from painful pinches.
Q: Are heavy rubber gloves too hot to wear?
A: They can be warm, but in cold water, the rubber keeps your hands dry, which is more important than heat. Look for unlined rubber gloves if you crab in very hot weather.
Q: How do I clean my crabbing gloves?
A: Rinse them thoroughly with fresh water after every use. Hang them upside down to air dry away from direct sunlight. This keeps the rubber from cracking.
Q: Should I buy gloves that cover my wrists?
A: Yes. Longer cuffs protect your wrists and forearms from splashes and accidental pinches when reaching into a bucket or trap.
Q: What material is best for grip?
A: Gloves with a textured nitrile or latex coating on the palm and fingers give you the best grip on wet, slippery crabs and ropes.
Q: Can I use welding gloves instead of crabbing gloves?
A: Welding gloves offer great heat protection but often lack the flexibility and waterproofing needed for handling wet crabs and gear effectively.
Q: What if my gloves tear? Should I throw them away?
A: If the tear is small and on the cuff, you can sometimes use waterproof repair tape. If the tear is on the palm or fingers, replace the gloves immediately for safety.
Q: Do I need insulated gloves for summer crabbing?
A: If you are only dipping your hands briefly in warm water, standard unlined rubber gloves are fine. If you work with cold seawater or traps for long periods, some light insulation helps prevent chilling.
Q: How do I find the right size?
A: Measure your hand circumference across your knuckles. Compare this measurement to the manufacturer’s size chart. The gloves should fit snugly but allow you to fully close your fist comfortably.