Description
This lure was designed to imitate a baby crab, a very popular food source for Red Fish, Trout and Black Drum. Rigged with a 3/16 ounce jig head. This bait swims sideways mimicking the escape maneuvers of a fearful crab. When fishing for tailing red fish, cast the baby crab toward the grass. Twitch the bait until the red fish sees it, then move the bait a few feet. Twitch the bait again and see if the red fish might jump on it. When red fish are working the shoreline, cast the baby crab in front of the fish and jerk the bait making the lure jump out of the grass right in front of the red fish. That’s when they will put the hammer down on your lure.
Redfish use their acute sense of smell to locate prey. Utilize Stinky Sticks to create a potent scent trail. A strong scent in the water attracts redfish even from afar. Instead of allowing your crab bait to float or move freely, simulate this defensive behavior. When casting, let the crab settle and then lightly twitch your rod to encourage the crab to burrow or to give the illusion of the crab burying. This mimics the natural defense behavior and can entice a redfish. The redfish believes it’s outsmarted the crab spotting it during its defensive posture, making it more eager to strike.
To catch the most redfish using crab lures, the ideal timeframe is during the transition of tides, especially during dawn or dusk. Spring warmer waters awaken redfish from their slow winter patterns, increasing their metabolism and appetite. They frequent shallow flats during higher tides, attracted by crab scent. Summer cooler nights counteract the hot lethargic days, making redfish more active during dark hours. Peak season, with crabs like fiddlers showing heightened nocturnal movement. Redfish often hunt near structures, utilizing them for ambush. Position your lure near oyster bars or pilings. Structures provide a hiding place for crabs, making them an irresistible target. Redfish’s predatory instincts sharpen during low-light conditions. Fish during dusk, dawn, or overcast days for enhanced strikes. Reduced visibility urges redfish to rely on movement, oversight and smell.
