Well now, if you’re lookin’ to catch yourself some blue crabs, ya gotta know a thing or two about what to put in them traps o’ yours. I reckon it ain’t all that complicated, but there are a few things that’ll make them crabs come runnin’ to your trap, just like a hungry dog runnin’ to its dinner. You see, blue crabs, they ain’t picky, but they sure do love a good meal when they smell it. So let me tell ya about the best bait for them blue crab traps, and I promise, you’ll catch yourself more crabs than you know what to do with!
1. Fish Bait
Now, I gotta tell ya, fish is one o’ the best baits for them blue crabs. They just can’t resist it! If you can get yourself some oily fish, that’s even better, like menhaden or mullet. You can cut it up and put it in them little mesh bags—works like a charm. Fish, especially the kind that’s real oily, sends out a scent that’ll get them crabs’ noses twitchin’. The more stink, the better, I always say! You just gotta make sure that fish is fresh, ’cause crabs, they ain’t gonna bother with no rotten stuff. Fresh fish gets them crabs comin’ from all around.
2. Chicken Necks
Now, don’t go laughin’ at me when I tell ya this, but chicken necks? Yep, chicken necks work wonders! Crabs love them, and they’re cheap too! You just grab a couple o’ chicken necks from the store, tie ’em up in your trap, and let ’em sit. Crabs can’t resist them necks. I reckon the best thing about chicken necks is they last a long time in the water. Fish might stink up quick, but chicken necks stay on the job. And, you don’t gotta worry none about ’em floating away, ‘cause they’re pretty sturdy. They stay right where ya put ’em.
3. Razor Clams
Now, if ya got access to razor clams, let me tell ya, that’s another mighty fine bait for them crabs. Crabs just love them clams, and they’ll come a’runnin’ when they smell ’em. You can just chop up them clams and throw ’em in your traps. They’re a bit harder to come by than fish or chicken, but if ya can get some, you best believe the crabs won’t be far behind.
4. Clams and Other Shellfish
Now, some folks, they swear by clams and other types of shellfish. Blue crabs love ‘em, that’s for sure. You can use fresh or frozen clams, and they’ll get the crabs to come sniffin’ around your traps in no time. It don’t hurt none to throw in a little extra fish or chicken to go with the clams—just gives them a little more to chew on, y’know?
5. Crab Attractants
Now, some people, they like to use special crab attractants. These here are little bottles of fish oil or other natural smells that’ll make your trap smell real nice and crabby-like. While you don’t need them, they sure can help draw in them crabs if you’re havin’ trouble. Just pour a little bit in the trap, and the crabs’ll smell it from a good ways off. It’s kinda like settin’ out a dinner bell for ‘em!
Best Time for Crabbing
If ya ask me, the best time to set them traps is early in the mornin’ or late in the afternoon. Them crabs, they like to come out when the sun ain’t so high. In the day, they hide out in them weeds and eelgrass, but when the sun starts settin’, they come out to hunt for food. If ya time it right, them traps will be full o’ crabs by the time you check ’em!
Tips for Using Bait
- Don’t use too much bait. Just enough to get the crabs interested but not too much to scare ’em off.
- Make sure your bait’s secure. You don’t want it floating off or gettin’ all messy in the trap.
- Change your bait if it’s been in there a while. Fresh bait’s always better.
Now, there’s all kinds o’ traps out there, from them box traps to them round ones, and even the little dip nets, but no matter what kind ya use, ya gotta make sure the bait stays where it’s supposed to. Crabs, they ain’t like fish. They won’t just swim right up to your bait. Ya gotta make sure it’s tucked in there real nice so they gotta work a little to get to it.
In the end, the best bait for blue crab traps is the one that gets you the most crabs. Whether it’s fish, chicken necks, or some good ol’ clams, the trick is to keep it fresh, keep it stinky, and keep it in your trap. Blue crabs are mighty tasty, and with the right bait, you’ll be feastin’ on crabs in no time!
Tags：[Best Bait for Blue Crab Traps, Blue Crab Bait, Crab Traps, Chicken Necks for Crabs, Fish Bait for Crabs, Crab Attractants, Razor Clams, Best Time for Crabbing, Crabbing Tips]
