How to Use Eel for Crab Bait

Eel is a popular bait for crabbing because it holds together well and can be left in the water for long periods of time or used over and over. You can use eel for crab bait frozen or thawed; the smellier and messier, the faster it should attract crabs.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Get some eel. Unless you've been lucky enough to catch an eel and keep it, this may be difficult and expensive. Your most likely source is the local fish market or, in a pinch, the seafood section of your supermarket.

2. Cut the eel into 4-inch chunks.

3. Bait your trap. Depending on what sort of crap trap you use this means tying the eel to a line, inserting it into a mesh bag or tying it to the slats of a board or wire trap with twine. Tying it down may also help keep smaller fish from nibbling away at it, but it won't help you if a seal or sea lion decides to take your crab bait.

4. Drop your trap into the water and wait.

Tips & Warnings

• Check local regulations before going crabbing--you may need a special license and there may be size, season or area restrictions for recreational crabbers.
• Be prepared to cook your crab catch right away. They can be kept alive for a little while in a pail of water, but must be kept in the shade and in a pail high enough that they cannot climb out and run away.

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