NJ Saltwater Fisherman Forums

NJ Saltwater Fishing Reports and Information => Helping Each Other Out => Topic started by: Mister Penguin on August 07, 2007, 01:39:50 PM

Title: Blue Claw Crabs as bait
Post by: Mister Penguin on August 07, 2007, 01:39:50 PM

Will blue claw crabs work for Seabass and blackfish just like green crabs?

Since blue claws are bigger, if you split them in half will it work?

Title: Re: Blue Claw Crabs as bait
Post by: mboy on August 07, 2007, 01:41:07 PM

Blue claws popular in Cape may area for Blackfish with some sharpies I know.
Might run into legal trouble if using undersized crabs tho.

Title: Re: Blue Claw Crabs as bait
Post by: Mister Penguin on August 07, 2007, 01:53:57 PM

Well those 4.5 inch to 5 inch ones would be perfect to split them in half I think, take off the big claw u'd be good to go!!  I just never used blue claws that way and was just wondering...

Title: Re: Blue Claw Crabs as bait
Post by: gottog on August 07, 2007, 02:51:28 PM

They work, but generally down south NJ, ANYTHING works.  Up "north" in the NY Bight area, greenies and "white leggers" work best.  Calico crabs in the summer, fiddlers and asian shore crabs early on the reef and inshore.

Hermits are popular around LINY/CT area.

I'd rather eat the blue claws and feed the tog greenies.

White leggers:

Title: Re: Blue Claw Crabs as bait
Post by: mboy on August 07, 2007, 02:56:40 PM

When you gettin' Snoopy Girl on here?

Title: Re: Blue Claw Crabs as bait
Post by: gottog on August 07, 2007, 03:09:53 PM

Got to get her online.  She can't while at work and usually all putered out once we're at home.  Plus she seems obsessed with this house hunting thing :P

Title: Re: Blue Claw Crabs as bait
Post by: gottog on August 07, 2007, 03:10:54 PM

Oh, as to the crabs...fish em WHOLE t^

Title: Re: Blue Claw Crabs as bait
Post by: Luna Sea 5 on August 07, 2007, 03:26:49 PM

 t^

Title: Re: Blue Claw Crabs as bait
Post by: Mister Penguin on August 07, 2007, 03:42:22 PM

Where do you get green crabs???  I dont think bait stores carry them, or those other crabs you are talking about...

Title: Re: Blue Claw Crabs as bait
Post by: gottog on August 07, 2007, 04:03:39 PM

Most B&T shops carry greenies during the Fall.  Right now not many, if any, will have crab baits.  Other places will usually start selling fiddlers and greenie around October.

Calico crabs you have to catch yourself right now.  "White leggers" can be caught once the water cools down.  Best place local to me is around the Coney Island pier.  Further south I've seen them caught right in the marina.

Asian shore crabs are easily located...find rocks at low tide and flip them over...quick lil basstages.  Greenies can be caught inshore near jetties, rocks,any structure.

Right now, blueclaws and calico crabs are what's avaialble and will catch tog.  NJ season of 1 keeper and NY is closed.

Can also use mole crabs/sandfleas.

BTW, Luna, congrats on the new addition to your family TT^ Best wishes to the new boy and family ;D

Title: Re: Blue Claw Crabs as bait
Post by: Luna Sea 5 on August 07, 2007, 04:11:05 PM

thanks you gottog

Title: Re: Blue Claw Crabs as bait
Post by: Capt. Ed on August 07, 2007, 08:51:11 PM

Hi Mr. Penguin,

Eat the Blue Claws and use spearing or a 1/2 of a sand eel or a small piece of clam for the sea bass.

Clam or greenie for Blackies.

Thanks,

Ed

Title: Re: Blue Claw Crabs as bait
Post by: gottog on August 09, 2007, 12:55:33 PM

these at the SH reef in early Fall t^

Title: Re: Blue Claw Crabs as bait
Post by: The Broken One on August 10, 2007, 07:53:43 PM

Blueclaws stink.... :-*