Crawfish trapping is an exciting and popular pastime for many fishermen and women. The thrill of pulling up a trap full of wriggling crawfish is hard to beat. However, to be successful at catching these crustaceans, it is crucial to choose the right bait. With so many bait options available, knowing which one to choose can be overwhelming. The following article has been put together to discuss the top five best bait for crawfish trap.
Fish Heads
Crawfish are natural scavengers attracted to decaying organic matter’s scent. Fish heads are a popular bait option for this reason. The decaying flesh of the fish head produces a strong odour that is irresistible to crawfish. When using fish heads as bait, it’s best to use a large, sturdy trap to prevent the crawfish from escaping.
To use fish heads as bait:
- Cut the head off of a small to medium-sized fish and secure it in the bait compartment of the trap.
- Place the trap in a shallow, slow-moving stream or river where crawfish are known to live.
- Check the trap regularly, and once you’ve caught a few crawfish, replace the bait with fresh fish heads.
Chicken Necks
Another popular bait option for catching crawfish is chicken necks. Like fish heads, chicken necks produce a strong odour that attracts crawfish. They are also affordable and easy to find at most grocery stores.
To use chicken necks as bait:
- Tie them securely to the bait compartment of the trap.
- Place the trap in a stream or river where crawfish are known to live.
- Check the trap regularly, and replace the bait with fresh chicken necks as needed.
Cat Food
Crawfish are omnivores and will eat various foods, including cat food. Cat food is an affordable and easy-to-find bait option experienced crawfish trappers often use.
To use cat food as bait:
- Place a small amount of cat food in the bait compartment of the trap.
- Place the trap in a stream or river where crawfish are known to live.
- Regularly check the trap and replace the bait with fresh cat food.
Shrimp
Many consider shrimp to be the best bait for crawfish trap. Like fish heads and chicken necks, shrimp produces a strong odour that attracts crawfish. It’s also a versatile bait option for various trap types, including bait bags and mesh traps.
To use shrimp as bait:
- Place a small amount of raw, uncooked shrimp in the bait compartment of the trap.
- Place the trap in a stream or river where crawfish are known to live.
- Check the trap regularly and replace the bait with fresh shrimp as needed.
Hot Dogs
Believe it or not, hot dogs are also an effective bait for catching crawfish. Hot dogs are affordable and easy to find at most grocery stores, making them a popular bait option for beginners.
To use hot dogs as bait:
- Cut them into small pieces and place them in the bait compartment of the trap.
- Place the trap in a stream or river where crawfish are known to live.
- Regularly check the trap and replace the bait with fresh hot dog pieces.
Conclusion
Catching crawfish can be a fun and rewarding activity, but it requires the right bait. Using the right bait can make all the difference between a successful day of trapping and coming home empty-handed. Experiment with different bait options to find the ones that work best for you, and always follow local laws and regulations when trapping crawfish.