Rigging peeler ...

[hippie]

It's been a while since I saw the diagram for cutting up peeler crabs. I know cutting the way in those pictures you can get 8 to 10 bait pieces from 1 peeler. I just can't remember how it's done. Will someone please post. Thank you, Bob

[Son Worshiper]

I don't know about anyone else but I've always pulled off the legs and then the top shell. I then cut the crab in two (down the middle) and turn each 1/2 so that the cut side is down (on the cutting board). I then use a sharp bait knife between the nubs (or knuckles) where the legs were and cut into sections along the seams in the shell. I can get at least 6 or 8 pieces of bait out of a small crab. If the claws are large enough I'll crack 'em and use that meat too.

As for putting it on a hook, crab meat is really hard to deal with when raw... I push the point through the shell where the leg was; down into the meat, turn the hook and out.

Again... I'm no expert but that's the way I do it. I'd like to hear (see) what others do.

[hippie]

Yes, I think thats how I used to cut it but I remember leaving the legs on (idea was the legs would flutter and attract fish). I used to hook through the leg socket and I thought come out the socket beside it. Yet I do recall using chunks of the inside meat and we would tie the chunks onto the hook by wrapping the chunk with dental floss. I just can't recall anymore. Thanks for your insight, Bob

[Fishman]

I first I’ll pull the claws off then pull the top shell off making sure that the new shell (soft membrane) is still intact with the crab. Then cut between the leg sections. You can get multiple baits from one side or two pieces from one side. Don’t over look the claws they will catch fish also. Just crack them open to expose the meat and place them on a hook. Hook the body sections through the leg sections and out through the meaty part of the crab. You can leave the legs on or cut them off just rubber band them together and pull off the sections that are exposed. The lesser amount of the legs exposed the better it all this depends on how you are fishing.

[Capt.Nick]

For best & safer results always use a good sharp scissors instead of a knife.Cut the legs off and use as chum.Pull the top shell off.Remove shell from top meat in shell.Cut top meat in 2 baits.Remove apron and cut this part in half long ways,using it as 2 baits(best bait).Cut peeler in half between the eyes to back where apron was.Cut each segment between the legs,making 6 baits and backfins,making 2 more baits.Each bait should have one open joint to thread hook through.When using these pieces as baits,thread point of hook through open knuckle joint where legs were first then hook in meat or just let hang on knuckle hinge and the bait stays on better.The claws make 2 more baits each,again hooking through knuckles to hold bait on better.So,thats 6 leg baits,2 backfins,2 top shell,2 aprons & 4 claws.