How to Catch Crayfish & Crawdads

A crayfish boil can delight the tastebuds.

Crayfish are also commonly called crawdads or crawfish. These crustaceans resemble lobsters and crabs with their legs, claws and soft bodies enclosed in hard shells. Crayfish live in fresh water, breathing through gills, and are also called the "poor man's lobster" because they resemble lobster but are more easily accessible. Catching crayfish provides an enjoyable pastime for many. Catch crayfish and crawdads living in freshwater lakes and streams using a simple technique to lure them and then capture them.

Things You'll Need

• Hot dog
• Knife
• 18-inch length of string
• Yarn needle
• Narrow stick, about 3 feet long
• Fishing net
• Bucket

Instructions

1. Select a hunting area where the water is shallow enough to enable you to see the bottom -- about 12 to 18 inches deep. Look for natural debris on the bottom of the lake or stream -- items like rocks, sticks and leaves provide areas where crayfish hide to hunt.

2. Cut off a 1/2-inch piece of hot dog.

3. Thread the string through the yarn needle and tie a large knot in the end of the string. Insert the needle through the center of the hotdog chunk and pull the string through until the knot rests against the meat. Remove the needle from the string.

4. Tie the other end of the string around the end of the stick.

5. Stand at the water's edge so you do not disturb the water any more than necessary. Hold the stick with the bait in one hand and the fishing net in the other. Very slowly drag the hot dog chunk through the water to lure a crayfish out of hiding.

6. Watch the hotdog chunk closely so you will see when a crayfish comes out to grab it. When you see a crayfish emerge from hiding, scoop it up with the fishing net to capture it.

7. Place the crayfish in a bucket of cold water to hold it.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch out for a crayfish's pinching claws. Any size crayfish will pinch if it has the opportunity, and a large crayfish's pinch may be very painful.

References

• Fairfax County Public Schools: Crayfish
• AZ Central; Crawdad Catching 101; Carrie Miner; August 2004