How Do You Use Menhaden For Crab Bait?
Menhaden, a very oily fish of up to a foot long, is also known as alewife, shade, bunker and pogey; it’s considered a “secret weapon” bait by many. It is the bait of choice for commercial crabbers and an easy option for recreational crabbers too. Purchase menhaden from your local bait shop or fish market. You’ll need to keep it frozen until it’s time to use it. Cut your menhaden bait into chunks. You can do this before you initially freeze them or just as you’re preparing to use them. Keep in mind that frozen menhaden is supposed to catch more crab than fresh bait, but doesn’t last as long. Bait your traps. If you’re using a line this is as easy as tying your menhaden to the line. If you’re using a pot, bag or net you simply insert the menhaden into the crab trap. Tying it in place with twine will help keep small fish from picking away at your bait. Drop your baited crap traps into the water and wait. It’s usually best to fish for crab on the incoming tide. They come up with the water
