Not very far depending on where you are on the island
About the crabs we tie weights to the bottom of our strings. Usually 3oz or so
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We use chicken or turkey necks for bait. And use 2-4ft of string hanging off the main line in several spots. Depending on the depth you have your poles set at. To check lines bring a net and slowly pull-up strings and be prepared to scoop under before you see the crabs. Usually if you see them it's too late and they let go of the line. I don't know if it's too early in the year to crab in the surf though, I normally do it during the summer.