I always hear a half blue crab won’t last long this time of year. Well no one wants my crabs. We went to an inlet / point that we seen them cruising in the shallows. I had a good run on a whole blue crab, what ever it was popped my 30 lb test (main line not leader). Couldn’t get another bite. We anchored in 5’, tossed crabs near the grass and a few at the back of the boat for deeper water. Does anyone have some tips for getting the bonnet heads, I have researched a lot but I need some expert advice. Thanks
I’ve never had any luck using crabs for bait and believe me I’ve tried them. I have taken the kids out to catch sharks,bonnet heads included,around bulls island and caught many bonnet heads on cut mullet and herring.Live whiting and mullet worked also but crabs never did for me.The kids would dip up the crabs in the surf and I really wanted them to be good bait but did not work for us.
Crabs worked for me, peel off the top. I quarter them, I feel bonnets don’t need the big stuff.
I fish much deeper 15’ minimum.
Just off where the kiawah and the stono meet, before you get to Snake Island. South side.
Look for a deep drop off just past the shallows. Anchor in the deep side and let the bait drop down off the ledge.
Some great rays will think you have hooked a jeep in the shallows. Fight like a stalled jeep as well.
“No… it’s okay, I know the way out…”
quote:
Originally posted by smanI’ve never had any luck using crabs for bait and believe me I’ve tried them. I have taken the kids out to catch sharks,bonnet heads included,around bulls island and caught many bonnet heads on cut mullet and herring.Live whiting and mullet worked also but crabs never did for me.The kids would dip up the crabs in the surf and I really wanted them to be good bait but did not work for us.
Funny you say that. I remember 40 years ago a neighbor dropped off a few spot tail for Dad and us. He said the best bait in the world for them was quartered crab. I tried it several times and have had very limited sucess over the years. I’ve caught more on shrimp and mud minnows than any amount of crab. That includes most all other species as well. Not saying they don’t work, but i’ve never had much luck with em.
As for Bonnet head, what sunbums said, deeper water. And at the mouth of a creek.