when on the hook in places like still pond, st micaels. I know.. crabs are all over the bottom

Any hints? I used to be an avid flyfishing person but bait is ok too. I have a dingy also. I've never seen much action on the surface of the water. Is the Bay really dying? I come down the Delaware river, C&D. Hopefully sometime in Oct I'll be on my way! I now.. don't eat the fish LOL @#$%^&! PCBs!