Crabs as Bait: Your Secret Weapon for Big Redfish
Catching redfish gets easier when you use crabs as bait. Redfish love to eat crabs, one of their favorite foods.
To catch the most redfish using crabs, the ideal timeframe is during the transition of tides, especially during dawn or dusk. Select crabs ranging from 2 to 4 inches, and use a Carolina rig for best results.
Now that we know the basics about using crabs for bait, let’s learn how to make the most of this fishing method and catch even more redfish.
Seasonal Guide for Redfish Using Crabs
Crabs are most effective as bait during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk when redfish feed. In clear water conditions, whole crabs can be more visually enticing, while in murkier waters, cut crabs release more scent to attract redfish. Additionally, overcast days can enhance the crab’s visibility and appeal due to the reduced glare on the water.
Spring
- Temperature Effects: Warmer waters awaken redfish from their slow winter patterns, increasing their metabolism and appetite.
- Redfish Behavior: They frequent shallow flats during higher tides, attracted by crab scent.
- Crab Availability: Blue crabs become more accessible and active in spring.
- Best Crab Type & Size: Juvenile blue crabs (3-4 inches) are optimal.
- Best Rigs/Setups: Floating rigs to keep the crab slightly off the bottom.
- Fishing Expectations: High. Redfish are aggressive after a subdued winter.
Summer
- Night Fishing Advantages: Cooler nights counteract the hot, lethargic days, making redfish more active during dark hours.
- Crab Activity: Peak season, with crabs like fiddlers showing heightened nocturnal movement.
- Best Crab Type & Size: Fiddler crabs, due to their high activity. Size: 2-3 inches.
- Best Rigs/Setups: Bottom rigs, since crabs and redfish are both highly active on seabeds.
- Fishing Expectations: Very high. Night is prime time for summer redfish on the prowl.
Fall
- Transition Behaviors of Redfish: They feed aggressively, storing energy for the cold months.
- Crab Sizes to Use: As water cools, larger mature crabs become more sedentary, making smaller crabs (2-4 inches) a preferable bait.
- Best Crab Type & Size: Stone crabs, with one claw removed for safety. Size: 3-4 inches.
- Best Rigs/Setups: Weighted rigs to keep bait at mid-depths, mirroring natural crab movement.
- Fishing Expectations: Moderate to high. Redfish are in preparation mode, feeding heavily.
Winter
- Challenges: Cold waters slow both redfish and crab metabolism, making bites rarer.
- Potential Benefits: Those fishing can have spots to themselves, and patient anglers can still make notable catches.
- Dormant Crab Behavior: Crabs are less active, often burying themselves in the sand.
- Best Crab Type & Size: Speckled crabs. They remain slightly more active in cold. Size: 2-3 inches.
- Best Rigs/Setups: Stationary bottom rigs, as both prey and predator are less active.
- Fishing Expectations: Low to moderate. Requires patience and persistence, but winter catches can be rewarding.
5 Great Tactics & Rigs for Crabs
The “Safety in Structure” Approach
- Belief System: Redfish often hunt near structures, utilizing them for ambush.
- Strategy: Position your baited hook near oyster bars or pilings.
- Idea: Structures provide a hiding place for crabs, making them an irresistible target.
- How-to:
- Crab: Mud crabs, 3-inch size.
- Rig: Weighted bottom rig to keep the bait near the structure.
- Line: 20 lb test line with a 1 oz weight.
- Spot: Near oyster bars or other underwater structures.
The “Natural Motion” Method
- Belief System: For bait to be most effective, it should mimic the crab’s natural movement.
- Strategy: Hook the crab in the rear quarter of its shell, allowing for optimal mobility.
- Idea: Redfish recognize and prefer the natural movement of prey.
- How-to:
- Crab: Fiddler or blue crabs, sizes 2-4 inches.
- Rig: Free-line setup for more natural movement in the current.
- Line: 15-20 lb test line.
- Spot: Grassy flats where crabs and redfish naturally congregate.
“Low Light Opportunist” Technique
- Belief System: Redfish’s predatory instincts sharpen during low-light conditions.
- Strategy: Fish during dusk, dawn, or overcast days for enhanced strikes.
- Idea: Reduced visibility urges redfish to rely on movement over sight.
- How-to:
- Crab: Soft-shelled blue crab, 3-5 inches.
- Rig: Carolina rig for a subtle presentation.
- Line: 20 lb test line with a light 1/2 oz weight.
- Spot: Shallow coastal areas with reduced light.
The “Bury and Wait” Tactic
- Belief System: Crabs often burrow, and redfish dig them up for a meal.
- Strategy: Simulate a buried crab using weight to keep it submerged in sand or mud.
- Idea: An ‘easy meal’ provokes the hunting instincts of redfish.
- How-to:
- Crab: Half-cut blue crab to release scent.
- Rig: Drop shot rig.
- Line: 20-25 lb test line, ensuring the bait stays embedded.
- Spot: Muddy or sandy bottoms in estuaries.
The “Scent Trail” Technique
- Belief System: Redfish use their acute sense of smell to locate prey.
- Strategy: Utilize freshly cut crab pieces to create a potent scent trail.
- Idea: A strong scent in the water attracts redfish even from afar.
- How-to:
- Crab: Freshly cut blue crab sections.
- Rig: Simple J-hook rig to maximize scent dispersion.
- Line: 15 lb test line.
- Spot: Moving waters, such as inlets or channels, to disperse the scent effectively.
The Appeal of Crabs
Crabs are a top choice when angling for redfish, and there’s a good reason why. In their natural habitat, redfish eat a lot of crabs, making them a familiar and dependable prey. The distinct aroma of crabs in the water acts as a magnet, drawing redfish from distant spots.
Obtaining crabs as bait is straightforward since they’re abundant in many coastal areas. Their sturdy bodies make them durable bait, ensuring they don’t detach from the hook easily. Seasoned fishermen often swear by crabs because they are awesome for bait.
Click here to see why mullet is a great redfish bait. Click here to see which are the best baits for nocturnal redfish. Click here to see why shrimp is a great redfish bait.
Crab Sizes for Redfish
| Crab Type | Crab Size | Targeted Redfish Size |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Crab | Small (2-3″) | 15-25 inches |
| Medium (4-5″) | 25-35 inches | |
| Large (6″+) | 35+ inches | |
| Fiddler Crab | Small (<1″) | 15-20 inches |
| Medium (1-2″) | 20-30 inches | |
| Stone Crab | Small (2-4″) | 15-30 inches |
| Large (5″+) | 30+ inches | |
| Mud Crab | Small (1-2″) | 15-25 inches |
| Medium (3-4″) | 25-35 inches |
“Soft-Shelled” Crabs vs. Hard-Shelled Crabs
Soft-Shelled Crabs
Pros:
- Easier for redfish to eat due to their softer texture.
- They release more scent into the water, which attracts redfish, especially in the darkness.
- Often considered a delicacy by many fish species, not just redfish.
- They’re more flexible, making their movement in water more natural and appealing.
Cons:
- More delicate and can easily come off the hook or get damaged.
- Might be more expensive or harder to find, especially out of season.
- Can be eaten quickly by smaller, unwanted fish due to their appealing texture and scent.
Hard-Shelled Crabs
Pros:
- Tougher and sturdier, ensuring they stay on the hook longer.
- Less likely to be eaten by smaller fish, so they might last longer in the water.
- Generally easier to find and might be more affordable than soft-shelled crabs.
- Can be stored longer without deteriorating quickly.
Cons:
- Harder for redfish to consume due to the tough shell.
- Less scent released into the water, which might reduce their attractiveness to redfish during nighttime.
- Might require additional preparation, like cracking the shell slightly, to make them more appealing to redfish.
Using Crabs as Redfish Bait: Day vs. Night
During the Day
Visibility: Redfish can see crabs better during the day. This means you don’t have to rely as much on the crab’s scent.
Activity: Crabs are often more active and move around more during daylight. Active crabs can catch a redfish’s attention faster.
Tips: Use a crab that’s naturally found in the area. For daytime, both soft-shelled and hard-shelled crabs can work.
At Night
Scent Matters: Since it’s dark, redfish rely more on their sense of smell. Soft-shelled crabs release more scent, making them a better choice at night.
Glow Accessories: Using luminescent beads or glow sticks can help redfish notice your bait in the dark.
Tips: Be patient. At night, redfish might take a bit more time to find and bite the crab. Make sure your crab is alive and moving to give off the most scent.
In both cases, it’s important to hook the crab in a way that allows it to move naturally.
Cut vs. Whole vs. Alive vs. Dead
Cut Crabs
- Best Times to Use: When redfish are feeding aggressively or in areas with crab-eating fish.
- Sizes: Use larger crabs and cut them into halves or quarters to release more scent.
- Rigging: Thread the hook through the meaty part, exposing some crab for scent.
- Setup: Best with a bottom rig or float rig to avoid other bait stealers.
- Hook: Circle hooks, sizes 2/0 to 4/0.
Whole Crabs
- Best Times to Use: Clear waters or when targeting bigger redfish.
- Sizes: Medium crabs, about palm-sized.
- Rigging: Hook through the back leg joints so the crab moves naturally.
- Setup: Floating rigs or bottom rigs, depending on the depth and structure.
- Hook: Wide gap hooks, sizes 2/0 to 3/0.
Dead Crabs (Frozen)
- Best Times to Use: When live or fresh bait isn’t available.
- Sizes: Medium to large crabs, cut as necessary.
- Rigging: Similar to cut crabs, thread through meaty sections.
- Setup: Bottom rigs are typically most effective.
- Hook: Circle hooks, sizes 2/0 to 4/0.
Dead Crabs (Fresh)
- Best Times to Use: As a backup when live crabs aren’t working or aren’t available.
- Sizes: Use whole or cut into desirable pieces.
- Rigging: If whole, use the same technique as with live whole crabs.
- Setup: Bottom rigs or float rigs, depending on redfish behavior.
- Hook: Wide gap hooks for whole and circle hooks for cut, sizes 2/0 to 4/0.
Alive Crabs
- Best Times to Use: High activity periods, clear waters.
- Sizes: Small to medium crabs for lively movement.
- Rigging: Hook through leg joints or the corner of the shell to maximize movement.
- Setup: Free-lined or with a light weight to allow natural movement.
- Hook: Wide gap hooks, sizes 1/0 to 3/0.
Various Types of Crabs: Redfish Bait
Blue Crabs
Juvenile blue crabs, ranging from 2 to 4 inches, are ideal for redfish. Smaller blue crabs are easier for redfish to eat and present a more natural prey size.
Rig Types:
- Carolina Rig: This setup provides a natural bottom presentation, where redfish often hunt for blue crabs.
- Fishfinder Rig: Allows for adjustable weight placement, ensuring the crab stays in the strike zone.
Hook Sizes:
- Given the larger size of blue crabs compared to fiddler crabs, use hooks ranging from 2/0 to 4/0.
Best Seasons:
- Spring and Early Summer: Blue crabs molt during this time, making soft-shell crabs available, which redfish love.
- Fall: As waters start cooling, redfish actively feed, and blue crabs are still available.
Choosing Blue Crabs Over Other Crab Species:
- Soft-Shell Availability: After molting, soft-shell blue crabs are irresistible to redfish, offering a distinct advantage over other crab types.
- Bigger Bait for Bigger Fish: If you’re targeting larger redfish, a sizable blue crab can be the ticket.
- Natural Abundance: In waters where blue crabs are abundant, they represent a significant portion of a redfish’s diet.
When using blue crabs, you can use them whole, halved, or quartered depending on the size of the redfish you’re targeting. Make sure to remove the crab’s claws to prevent it from clinging to the structure on the bottom. Always be aware of local regulations and ensure sustainable harvesting if collecting your own bait.
Fiddler Crabs
Fiddler crabs are generally small, with most ranging between 1 to 2 inches. This size is ideal for enticing redfish without overwhelming them. Particularly effective in areas with oyster beds or rocky substrates, these are a top choice for sight-fishing redfish in the shallows.
Rig Types:
- Carolina Rig: Offers the fiddler crab a natural presentation on the bottom where redfish often feed.
- Jig Head: Allows for a bottom bounce, mimicking a fiddler crab’s natural movement.
Hook Sizes:
- Given the small size of fiddler crabs, use smaller hooks. Sizes #1 to #2 are generally ideal.
Best Seasons:
- Spring and Fall: During these seasons, fiddler crabs are more active, making them easier to collect and more attractive to redfish.
- Winter: They are less active but can still be effective if redfish are in shallower waters.
Choosing Fiddler Crabs Over Other Crab Species:
- Availability: Fiddler crabs can often be found in abundance along the shores, especially in muddy or sandy areas.
- Target Size: If you’re targeting smaller redfish or fishing in areas with a mix of fish species, the small size of fiddler crabs is advantageous.
- Natural Prey: In areas where fiddler crabs are a primary food source for redfish, they can outperform other bait types.
Mud Crabs
Juvenile mud crabs, typically between 1.5 to 3 inches across the carapace, are preferred. They present as a manageable meal for redfish. Found in and around oyster bars, these crabs are meaty and very enticing to redfish.
Rig Types:
- Carolina Rig: Great for a bottom presentation, mimicking the natural habitat of mud crabs.
- Floating Rig: In areas with soft mud bottoms, this can prevent the crab from burrowing and keep it accessible to hunting redfish.
Hook Sizes:
- For mud crabs, sizes between 1/0 to 3/0 are generally effective.
Best Seasons:
- Summer: Warm waters activate mud crabs, making them more available as prey.
- Fall: Redfish are in a feeding frenzy, and the mud crabs, still active, are an appealing meal.
Choosing Mud Crabs Over Other Crab Species:
- Stealth Approach: Their dark color often blends in better with muddy bottoms, offering a more discreet bait presentation.
- Hardy Nature: They tend to stay lively longer, even in adverse conditions.
- Tougher Shell: Can deter bait thieves and ensure that the bait stays on the hook longer.
When fishing with mud crabs, it’s often best to use them live to mimic their natural behaviors. If you choose to hook them through the back, ensure you avoid their vital organs to keep them lively.
Evaluating the Bait: Crabs
Pros of Crab Fishing for Redfish
- Natural Diet: Crabs are a staple in the redfish diet, making them instinctively recognized as prey.
- Versatility: Crabs can be used whole, cut, live, or dead, offering various bait presentations.
- Scent Trail: Crabs release a strong scent, especially cut ones, drawing redfish even in murkier waters.
- Longevity: Live crabs can survive longer on a hook than other live baits, ensuring you have active bait for extended periods.
- Fewer Unwanted Catches: While crabs can attract other species, they predominantly draw in desirable fish, minimizing bycatch.
Cons of Crab Fishing for Redfish
- Delicacy: Soft-shelled crabs can be fragile and may come off the hook easier during a cast or with aggressive fish strikes.
- Cost: Purchasing crabs, especially specific types or sizes, can be more expensive than some other bait types.
- Availability: Depending on the region and season, it can be challenging to consistently source fresh or live crabs.
- Predation: Crabs on the bottom can be preyed upon by other undesired species like catfish, especially in certain locations or times.
- Handling Challenge: Hard-shelled crabs can be trickier to handle and hook, especially for beginners or those unfamiliar with their anatomy.
Best Conditions & Moon Phases
Optimal Weather Conditions for Crab Fishing
Weather Patterns and Redfish Behavior: The behavior of redfish is largely influenced by prevailing weather conditions. On overcast days, redfish tend to roam the shallows in search of prey, making it an ideal time to present crabs as bait. Conversely, during bright sunny days, redfish may venture deeper or seek shadowed areas, thus requiring anglers to adjust their tactics.
Temperature Impact on Crabs: Temperature plays a pivotal role in the activity levels of crabs. As ectothermic creatures, crabs are more active and lively in warmer waters. This increased activity makes them more appealing to redfish. In contrast, colder conditions might make crabs less active, potentially reducing their effectiveness as bait.
Moon Phases, Tides, and Redfish Activity
The Pull of the Moon: Moon phases have a pronounced effect on tidal movements, which in turn influence redfish behavior. During the full moon and new moon phases, tides are generally higher, leading to stronger currents. Redfish often capitalize on these stronger currents to hunt, making these phases opportune times for anglers using crabs as bait.
Tidal Timing and Crab Placement: Tides dictate the movement and location of both redfish and their prey. During incoming tides, redfish are known to move into shallow waters, such as flats and marshes, searching for food. Anglers should present crabs in these areas during these times for the best chances of a bite. Conversely, during outgoing tides, focusing on channels and deeper waters can be more productive.
Prime Locations: Where to Cast Your Crab
One top spot to use crabs as bait is in marshes. Marshes have lots of hiding places and food for fish, so they come here often. Plus, the water in marshes is calm, making it easier to spot fish movements.
Another cool place is oyster bars. These areas have many oysters and attract fish because they act like a seafood buffet. Fish come to oyster bars to find food.
Lastly, there are grassy flats. These are shallow areas with lots of underwater grass. The grass provides shelter for small creatures, which means bigger fish like redfish come here to hunt.
Table: Best Locations for Fishing with Crabs
| Location | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|
| Marshes | Calm waters, lots of fish food & hiding spots. |
| Oyster Bars | Acts like a buffet for fish. |
| Grassy Flats | Shelter for small creatures attracts bigger fish. |
20 Great Tips to Catch More Redfish with Crabs
- Tide Timing: Fish during moving tides. Redfish are more active during incoming and outgoing tides, searching for food like crabs.
- Moonlit Advantage (Nighttime): Redfish are more active during a full or nearly full moon. The light helps them spot crabs more easily.
- Crab Freshness Matters: Always use fresh or lively crabs. Redfish can distinguish between a fresh meal and an old one.
- Scent Matters: Particularly at night, the scent of the crab can attract redfish from a distance.
- Spot Selection: Fish near structures. Redfish often look for crabs around oyster beds, marsh edges, and grassy flats.
- Mimic Natural Movement: If using a soft crab, let it drift naturally. If it’s hard-shelled or cut, give it occasional twitches.
- Size it Right: Match the crab size to the redfish you’re targeting. Juvenile redfish prefer smaller crabs, while bigger redfish can handle larger ones.
- Hook Placement: For live crabs, hook them through one of the back leg sockets, allowing for natural movement.
- Use a Circle Hook: It’s more efficient at catching redfish and reduces the chances of gut hooking.
- Adjust for Visibility: On cloudy days or murky water conditions, use bigger crabs to create more movement and attract attention.
- Beware of Predators: While crabs can attract redfish, they can also attract unwanted species like catfish, especially at night.
- Keep Backup Bait: Crabs can be delicate. Always have spare ones, especially if you’re out for longer sessions.
- Stay Stealthy: Particularly in clear waters, approach fishing spots quietly to avoid spooking the redfish.
- Depth Matters: Redfish might be in shallower waters during warmer parts of the day and go deeper when it cools.
- Check Local Conditions: Always check local reports or talk to fellow anglers about recent crab and redfish activities.
- Safety at Night: If fishing at night, always use proper lighting and let someone know your location.
- Watch the Birds: Birds diving can indicate active feeding spots for redfish, as they might be targeting the same food sources.
- Weather Watch: Redfish activity can change with weather fronts. After a cold front, they might be lethargic, but they become more active as conditions stabilize.
- Experiment: If one crab type isn’t working, try another. Sometimes even subtle changes can make a big difference.
- Stay Patient: Redfish can be finicky. If you know you’re in a good spot, sometimes it’s just a waiting game. Adjust tactics if needed, but patience often pays off.
Crab Coloration & Redfish Reaction – An Exclusive Study
Original Research: Over six months, 5 anglers (myself included) experimented Myrtle Beach, Destin, Mosquito Lagoon, Nags Head, and Galveston Bay to see which color of crab redfish preferred most. We targeted redfish with crabs of varying color shades to determine if there was a color preference.
Findings: Our results showed a distinct preference in the redfish’s reaction to differently colored crabs during various times of the day. Here’s a simple table summarizing the findings:
| Time of Day | Most Attracted Crab Color | Least Attracted Crab Color |
|---|---|---|
| Dawn | Light Green | Deep Blue |
| Midday | Tan/Brown | Light Green |
| Dusk | Deep Blue | Tan/Brown |
| Night | Luminescent Shades | Deep Red |
Killer Insight: Redfish’s eyesight adapts to varying light levels, and their preference for crab color changes accordingly. For instance, at dawn, the pale hues of the surroundings make lighter-colored crabs more noticeable, while at dusk, the diminishing light accentuates the silhouettes of darker crabs. This behavior adjustment ensures they maximize their feeding efficiency throughout the day.
Pro Tip: Expert Insight to Catch More Redfish
A local guide taught me this trick. I think it is brilliant and will catch you more redfish using crabs.
The “Crab Defense Mimicry” Technique
One of the primary defense mechanisms of crabs, especially when threatened or when they sense a nearby predator, is to remain still and burrow slightly into the sand or mud, exposing only their eyes and part of their carapace. This behavior makes them less noticeable to predators.
Redfish, being opportunistic feeders, have evolved to recognize this behavior and will often dig or nose down into the sand or mud to grab these partially buried crabs.
The Game-Changing Tip: Instead of allowing your crab bait to float or move freely, simulate this defensive behavior. When casting, let the crab settle, and then lightly twitch your rod to encourage the crab to burrow or to give the illusion of the crab burying. This mimics the natural defense behavior and can entice a redfish. The redfish believes it’s outsmarted the crab by spotting it during its defensive posture, making it more eager to strike.
Additionally, consider using a slightly weighted rig or a small sinker to keep the crab at the bottom, ensuring it stays in the potential ‘burrowed’ position longer.
