Texas Fishing Forum

Blue crabs and big uglies

Posted By: jason74

Blue crabs and big uglies - 08/07/15 11:15 AM

Hey all, I'm looking for some help in the department of fishing for black drum. I have all the terminal tackle for this but looking to see how you guys rig up for big uglies. I also have a question as to the use of blue crab as bait. I have heard its deadly but looking to see how you rig it it up. And finally what's the best way to keep it alive in cooler ( water and aerator, ice etc. any help will be appreciated. I'm going to goose island and Copona bay for a few days over the weekend and just wanted a heads up, again thanks Jason.
Posted By: TroutSupport.com

Re: Blue crabs and big uglies - 08/07/15 12:28 PM

Lower percentage of BIG uglies in the bay right now.. the best time is March and April when the adults gang up to spawn inside passes.

that said, you can still catch some, and it won't hurt if you catch a big redfish or 2.

Typically most use a half crab for big uglies. for a 5 inch or bigger crab use a 2/0 to 3/0 circle hook and work it into the corner of one of the side points. You can also use live crab if they are smaller bait crabs, hook placement is the same.. just wiggle the point in slowly and it'll come through without breaking apart.

crabs are easy to keep alive either by placing on top of ice in paper bag or just in bay water with an aerator... both work fine. If it's a cool morning or at night you could just leave in a paper bag. (they won't last like that in the heat though).

have fun. Don't be surprised if you mostly catch redfish though.
Posted By: outdoorsman916

Re: Blue crabs and big uglies - 08/07/15 01:06 PM

Just like TroutSupport said, you will mostly catch redfish fishng with blue crab this time of year. Also for some reason crab does not seem to hold together as well during the summer as it does when its colder. It still works but not as well for me. Another good time for big uglies are December and January.
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