Least Disgusting Bait For Recreational Traps

[dickt]

Is there anything less disgusting than chicken necks for baiting recreational traps? I've always worried about salmonella when I plunge my lands into 10-15 lbs. of chicken necks. I have never used alewives in plastic bags and rather imagine them to be pretty vile. Can they be cut up when still frozen for placement in the bags? How about razor clams? I assume that they must be crushed in the bag. What quantities do razor claims come in?

I am planning on using 30 traps that have the capacity for at least three baits each.

[rj]

Razo clams are sold by the gallon,,they are used whole , do not crush. although they are edible they are not considered good table fare.
Chicken necks that are sold in the grocery stores are edible (yes you can eat them) They are USDA inspected.... & are usually the cheapest & best for recreational crabbers.
Fowl necks that are sold in the bait shops are usually labeled inedible,,they are for bait only,
alewives make good pot bait,,I don't know about trap bait,,

We always wear gloves when baiting...too many sharp edges in cut chicken necks,, & broken clams can be razor sharp

[27 sailfish]

IMHO - You have more to worry about from getting a crab point puncture or bay water in a cut then from chicken.

Crabs prefer fresh bait - not rotten stuff like many think. The bait I use ( chicken or White Perch heads ) is kept iced until needed.

If the bait stinks to you - not likely big crabs will like it either.

Chicken is used because it is fairly cheap and gives off scent / oil for about an hour or so. Ever notice when you change baits - often you catch more crabs ? Freshness counts.

Other baits will work but are either expensive or do not hold up well. Menhaden are great but a big crab will tear it apart quickly. Salted EEl is good but has gotten pricey.

I often bring White Perch home and fillet them. I then use a heavy knife to cut off the head. Frozen in a gallon Zip Lock - they are great crab bait.

My buddy saves mangled Spot from live lining trips and does well. The Spot are soft though after thawing.

[bayhead]

RJ is correct about razor clams - however...when we get started carryng razors (which should be a week or so) we will sell them by the 1/2 gallon and up - usually 1/2 gallon will be enough for traps - our customers have asked for them in that quantity. We carry fowl necks, salted eel and eventually will have bull lips as well. 27 Sailfish is right on about using perch as well. Catch 'em and freeze 'em for traps for later on this summer - they work great. Hope this helps.

Bayhead

Chesapeake Crabbing Supply, Inc.
2202 Conowingo Road
Bel Air, Md. 21015

410-838-1443

NOW CARRYING BEAUTIFUL BLOODWORMS ALONG WITH ALL OUR OTHER FISHING TACKLE AND BAIT AS WELL!!!!

[scott w]

Is there anything less disgusting than chicken necks for baiting recreational traps? I've always worried about salmonella when I plunge my lands into 10-15 lbs. of chicken necks. I have never used alewives in plastic bags and rather imagine them to be pretty vile. Can they be cut up when still frozen for placement in the bags? How about razor clams? I assume that they must be crushed in the bag. What quantities do razor claims come in?

I am planning on using 30 traps that have the capacity for at least three baits each.

if your worried about your hands getting dirty your playing the wrong game....no crab bait is pleasant all the time...even clams by the end on the day stink or all mushy from crabs eating them...

[BigWillJ]

Been crabbing with chicken necks for probably more years than the age of many people on here. Never used gloves, and never had a problem with any sickness or infections. Makes me raise the "you-worry-too-much" flag. Lucky otherwise, given Bay water conditions and such of late, but no problems with disgusting chicken necks.

[Burchbeer]

Take an old pretzel barrel filled with soapy water. I use Dawn. Cap it and keep it with a rag in it for quick hand clean up from bait, fish slime whatever to get the major mung off. I started doing this for tailgating. Then have hand wipes if you want to go further. In the hot funk months, it is a good thing to have handy.
Nothing better than biting your nails when crabbing and fishing. All that flavor is too good to pass up.

[bayhead]

Burch - You are out of control as usual. However, finger nail sandwiches can be pretty good!

Chuck (aka Bayhead)

Chesapeake Crabbing Supplies, Inc.
2202 Conowingo Road Bel Air, Maryland 21015
410-838-1443

[crabandfish]

if you are close to delaware

C&D Crabbing and Fishing Outfitters carries razors

510- copper dr
newport, de 19804
302-995-2722

[Burchbeer]

Whats UPCHUCK?