The Ultimate Guide to the Best Bait for Blue Crabs: Everything You Need to Know
Blue crabs are a favorite among anglers and seafood lovers for their delicious taste and abundance in coastal waters. Whether you are an experienced crabber or new to the hobby, knowing what the best bait for blue crabs is can make a huge difference in your catch. In this guide, we’ll explore the top bait options, answer common questions like “is chicken good bait for blue crabs?” and “is fish good bait for blue crabs?”, and also discuss the best tools, such as handlines and crab traps, to help you reel in your next big catch.
What is the Best Bait for Blue Crabs?
When it comes to catching blue crabs, the bait you use is just as important as your technique. Blue crabs are opportunistic feeders, which means they will eat almost anything that is easy for them to catch and consume. Their diet mainly consists of small fish, mollusks, and other marine organisms. To increase your chances of a successful crab fishing trip, you’ll want to use baits that are not only appealing to blue crabs but also abundant in the areas you plan to fish.
1. Chicken: A Top Choice for Blue Crab Bait
One of the most popular and effective baits for blue crabs is chicken. It’s an affordable, easy-to-use option that many experienced crabbers swear by. The smell of chicken, particularly when it’s left to marinate in the water for a while, is incredibly attractive to crabs. The flesh of chicken is soft enough for crabs to grab onto, and it’s dense enough to stay on your bait holder for extended periods.
Is Chicken Good Bait for Blue Crabs?
Yes, chicken is widely considered one of the best baits for blue crabs. Crabs are drawn to the strong scent of decaying meat, and chicken necks, in particular, are a favorite among crabbers. When using chicken, it’s common to use chicken necks, legs, or backs. The tough skin makes it easier to tie the chicken to a trap or handline without it falling off too easily.
2. Fish: A Natural and Effective Bait
Another excellent option for blue crab bait is fish. Like chicken, the strong scent of fish lures crabs from a distance, especially if the fish is slightly decomposed or cut into smaller chunks. Fish is a natural food source for blue crabs, and they’re more likely to bite if they sense fish in the area.
Is Fish Good Bait for Blue Crabs?
Yes, fish is highly effective for blue crabs. Many crabbers use leftover fish parts or cheap, bait-grade fish like menhaden or mullet. Fish carcasses, including heads, tails, and guts, can be especially potent because of the strong odor that attracts crabs. You can even use live fish, but the scent of decaying fish is often more enticing to crabs.
3. Other Options: Clams, Squid, and More
Though chicken and fish are the most common baits for blue crabs, other bait options can work well, especially if you’re in an area where crabs may be more particular about their food. Soft shell clams, squid, and even turkey necks have all been known to attract blue crabs. The key is to use something that produces a strong scent in the water and is relatively easy for the crabs to grab and tear into.
How to Use Bait Effectively with Handlines, Crab Traps, and Other Tools
Now that you know the best bait for blue crabs, it’s important to use it correctly with the right tools to ensure a successful catch. The method you choose will depend on the location, the time of day, and your preferred technique. Below are some popular methods and tools used to catch blue crabs.
Handlines: A Simple and Fun Way to Catch Blue Crabs
One of the most straightforward ways to catch blue crabs is by using a handline. A handline consists of a long, sturdy cord (usually 10–20 feet) with a baited hook or net attached at the end. You can drop the handline into the water and wait for crabs to grab the bait. When they do, you pull the line in slowly and steadily to avoid startling the crabs.
When using a handline, you can tie pieces of chicken, fish, or other bait to the hook or place them inside a small bait bag. It’s important to choose a bait that will stay on the hook without easily falling off. Chicken necks are particularly effective for this method because they stay securely on the hook and don’t easily detach.
Pro Tip: When using a handline, try to fish in areas where the crabs are known to congregate, such as near docks, marshes, or shallow waters. Crabs often come closer to shore in the early morning or late evening, so those are the best times to drop your handline in the water.
Check out our video where we show you how to catch blue crabs with a handline!
Crab Traps: The Best Tools for Catching Blue Crabs in Large Quantities
Crab traps are another fantastic tool for catching blue crabs. These traps are designed to lure crabs inside with bait and then prevent them from escaping. There are a variety of trap designs, including box traps, pyramid traps, and funnel traps, but they all rely on the same basic principle: once a crab enters the trap, it has difficulty getting back out.
To maximize your success with crab traps, it’s essential to use the best blue crab bait and place your traps in the right locations. Make sure to check local regulations regarding trap use, as there may be rules regarding trap sizes, types, or how long traps can remain in the water.
Using the Right Bait with Crab Traps
When using crab traps, you want to ensure that the bait is securely fastened so that it doesn’t fall off or get eaten by other marine creatures. As mentioned earlier, chicken necks, fish carcasses, and even turkey necks are great options for trapping blue crabs. For best results, try to place your traps in areas where crabs are actively feeding, such as near underwater structures like rocks, piers, or seaweed beds.
Using Dip Nets and Scoop Nets for Blue Crabs
In addition to handlines and traps, dip nets and scoop nets can be effective tools for catching blue crabs. These nets are especially useful when crabbing in shallow waters or areas where crabs are abundant near the surface. Dip nets are small and handheld, while scoop nets are larger and can cover more area.
To use a scoop or dip net, simply drop the net into the water where crabs are likely to be. Once you spot a crab, gently scoop it up. It’s important to move slowly so you don’t scare the crabs away. Also, make sure to check local laws regarding net use, as there may be restrictions on their size or how they can be used.
Factors That Affect Blue Crab Behavior and Bait Choice
While the right bait and tools are essential for catching blue crabs, there are several environmental factors that can affect your success. Understanding these factors will help you choose the best times and places to crab, and maximize your chances of a good haul.
Water Temperature
Blue crabs are cold-blooded creatures that are more active in warmer waters. The best time to catch blue crabs is typically during the warmer months, from spring through late fall. Water temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C) are ideal for blue crabs. During the winter months, crabs tend to be less active and may be harder to catch.
Tides and Moon Phases
The tides and moon phases can significantly impact crab activity. Blue crabs are more active during high tides and will often come closer to shore to forage for food. Full moons and new moons are also known to increase crab activity, so these are ideal times to fish for blue crabs.
Time of Day
As mentioned earlier, blue crabs tend to be more active during the early morning and late evening hours. If you’re fishing from shore or using a handline, these are the best times to catch crabs. If you’re using traps, you can leave them in the water overnight and check them in the morning.
Conclusion: Best Bait for Blue Crabs and Top Tips for Success
Catching blue crabs can be a fun and rewarding experience, but using the right bait is crucial for success. Chicken and fish are among the best blue crab baits, with chicken necks and fish carcasses being especially popular among crabbers. While other bait options like clams and squid can also work, the key is to use something that produces a strong scent and entices crabs to bite.
Whether you choose to use handlines, crab traps, or nets, make sure you are prepared with the right tools and techniques for the best chance of success. By considering factors like water temperature, tides, and time of day, you can increase your odds of landing a great catch.
Happy crabbing!