Alright, let’s talk about these crab pot bait holders, you know, the things you stick your bait in to catch them crabs. I ain’t no fancy expert, but I’ve caught a mess of crabs in my day, so I reckon I know a thing or two.
First off, you gotta have somethin’ to hold that bait, right? Can’t just throw a fish in there and expect it to stay put. Them crabs, they’re sneaky little buggers, they’ll steal your bait and run off quicker than a chicken with its head cut off if you ain’t careful.
Now, there’s all sorts of holders you can get. Some are just simple little metal springs, like the ones they call “Marsh Island stainless steel spring style bait holders”. I seen ’em, they’re about this long
(holds up fingers to approximate 2-3/8 inches)
and you just clip ’em onto the trap. Easy peasy. They say them springs are good for keepin’ the bait secure, and I guess they do alright.
- But then you got them bait bags, too.
- Some are blue, some are other colors, I don’t rightly know why that matters.
- They got these little snaps on ’em, so you can close ’em up tight.
- That’s supposed to keep the bait in, but sometimes them crabs are so strong they rip right through the bag, them rascals!
I heard tell of some fancy kits they sell, like the “Promar Crab Rigging Kit” and the “Promar Stainless Bait Pin”. Sounds mighty highfalutin to me. I ain’t never used ’em, but I guess if you got money to burn, go right ahead. Me? I stick to the basics. You know, what works, works.
And then there’s them “bait can holders”. I seen some that cost a pretty penny, like $9.95 just for the holder! Land sakes, that’s a lot of money for somethin’ to hold a can. But I guess some folks like the fancy stuff. They say Lester’s Crab Pots makes good ones, and they’re made right here in America, so that’s somethin’ I guess.
I even seen these metal holders from a company called Eagle Claw, they cost around $5.99 I think. Not too bad if you want something simple.
Now, what kind of bait you use is just as important as how you hold it. I like to use squid, mostly. Them crabs, they love squid. But you can’t just slap a whole squid in there and call it a day. You gotta make it nice and secure. I heard this fella once tell me how he loads his main hook, it was somethin’ called a Pennell rig. Said you take that squid and wrap it up good and tight around a crab with some stretchy cotton stuff. Then you put the whole thing in a mesh bag, that Arma Mesh stuff, keeps it all together. He even said he puts a second hook at the top, just to hold it all in place, smart fella he was.
And if I can’t get squid, I use fish. But not just any fish, mind you. I like to use whole sea mullet, cut ’em up in thirds. Them crabs go crazy for it. Don’t waste your time with cat food or other junk, they don’t work near as good, I tell ya. This fella told me that’s what he used and it didn’t work that well. I trust him on that one!
So, the main thing is, you gotta keep that bait secure. Them crabs are strong and they’re hungry, and they’ll do anything to get a free meal. So, get yourself some good bait holders, whatever kind you like, and make sure that bait is locked down tight. That’s how you catch crabs, plain and simple.
And remember, the best bait holder ain’t worth a lick if you don’t use good bait. So, don’t skimp on the bait, and don’t skimp on the holders neither. You want crabs, you gotta put in the effort, that’s all there is to it.
Now, go on out there and catch yourself some crabs! And don’t forget to bring a big bucket and some gloves, ’cause them crabs can pinch somethin’ fierce! Good luck to ya.
Tags: [Crab Pot Bait Holders, Crab Trap Bait, Crab Fishing, Crab Bait Spring, Crab Bait Bag, Crab Bait Can, Bait Security, Marsh Island, Promar, Eagle Claw, Lester’s Crab Pots, Sea Mullet Bait, Squid Bait]
