CRAB ID

[flguywes]

I have been out twice, at two different inlets with live hand picked shrimp. The both times I was fishing I caught this crab. I did cast him out as bait however no takers.
My questions:
1. what kind of crab is it?
2. Can it be used as bait?
3. should I do anything special to prepare it as bait?(cut in half/remove claws/snip of shell points)

[Miamipescador]

Looks like a calico crab to me.
Lose the wire bud

[coolcow]

It's a calico. I take off the claws and most of the legs so they don't grab onto structure or dig into the sand which they will do if they can. I like to think it also releases scent, but who knows? It makes me feel good, anyway. I hook them through the hole left where a leg once was then slowly work the hook through the carapace near the corner point. If you just jab it through, the shell will break and probably be useless as bait. They are fun to use as bait because they are an all-or-nothing bait. It may sit out there all day without a hit, but if something does hit it, it's going to be fun.

[Username28]

It's a calico. I take off the claws and most of the legs so they don't grab onto structure or dig into the sand which they will do if they can. I like to think it also releases scent, but who knows? It makes me feel good, anyway. I hook them through the hole left where a leg once was then slowly work the hook through the carapace near the corner point. If you just jab it through, the shell will break and probably be useless as bait. They are fun to use as bait because they are an all-or-nothing bait. It may sit out there all day without a hit, but if something does hit it, it's going to be fun.

[flguywes]

Thanks for all replies so quickly! I was fishing 20lb flour in with 1/0 hook. At the time I just wanted anything to bite. Next time I'll drift it straight out the inlet 150 yards or so...

[Username28]

Thanks for all replies so quickly! I was fishing 20lb flour in with 1/0 hook. At the time I just wanted anything to bite. Next time I'll drift it straight out the inlet 150 yards or so...

If your going to do that, I might put a little bit stronger line on....

[fishnfool73]

Depending on the crabs size and location fished snook, grouper, snapper, sheepshead, tarpon, redfish, black drum, hogfsh, and permit will all eat them.

[Username28]

Depending on the crabs size and location fished snook, grouper, snapper, sheepshead, tarpon, redfish, black drum, hogfsh, and permit will all eat them.

like i said...i'd put a little heavier line on...20lbs line on a 100lbs tarpon...makes for a short fight

[PhishingPhanatic]

Depending on the crabs size and location fished snook, grouper, snapper, sheepshead, tarpon, redfish, black drum, hogfsh, and permit will all eat them.

Don't forget cudas.

[BoatlessFisherman]

We call it a calico but it really is a --Speckled Swimming Crab

[Boca Jetty Rat]

Depending on the crabs size and location fished snook, grouper, snapper, sheepshead, tarpon, redfish, black drum, hogfsh, and permit will all eat them.

Don't forget cudas.

Don't forget Puffers, and stingrays.
I like to hook mine same as the others, but I leave the legs on, remove claws and the little digger/swimmer fins in the back when pinned to bottom. I have yet to eat the larger ones but if I get enuf I will try them in some crab boil.

[Xpierrat]

and the meanest crab eater of all the Cobia!!!!

[Chevy Juan]

Figuy, here's the link to a How To write up I did a while ago. Check it out if you have any questions on hook placement, hooking procedure etc. Take it easy and good luck man.

http://boatlessfishing.com/forum/viewto ... 58&t=27150

[flguywes]

Thanks for the tips all! Especially Juan! The picture tutorial was great. The crabs were both similar in size I feel like I could have been on to something, perhaps so close...
Kind of like the guys on television "Gold Rush"

[Boca Jetty Rat]

Gold Rush good show not as good as Hoarders or Storage Wars though. Your on to something for sure. I've always heard drifting them out on an outgoing in a local inlet worked very well, just never tried always pinned to bottom. Good luck out there and heres to no spills on dem rocks.