How to Catch Fiddler Crabs for Bait

Fiddler crabs are small crabs about the size of a quarter that make spectacular fishing bait. They are the preferred bait for Sheepshead. But it also works well for Redfish and Pompano as well as any type of Snapper. They can be bought at tackle stores along the coasts, but are easily attainable by catching them yourself with a few simple items.

Things You'll Need

• 5-gallon bucket Shovel

Instructions

1. Locate an area around a bay, bayou, salt marsh or tributary with grassy land and several rocks, if possible. Sea walls are a great place to find fiddler crabs.

2. Dig a hole in the sand or mud with the shovel deep enough to put the bucket in so that only an inch or two of the bucket lip sticks above the ground.

3. Pack sand or mud around the lip of the bucket creating a hill around the mouth of the bucket.

4. Leave the bucket overnight if possible.

5. Upon returning, the bucket should contain all the crabs that you will need for your next fishing trip.

Tips & Warnings

• The males of the species have one very large claw. Females have two equally-sized small claws. Harvest only the males if possible to ensure a good future population. After fishing, return any unused crabs to a suitable habitat so that they may continue to breed.

• Crabs pinch, so exercise caution when handling them.