Which Is The Best Bait For Catching Crawfish?
Depending on where you live in the United States, a crawfish may be called something different. In the south they are crawfish, in the north they are crayfish, and in the Midwest they are crawdads. But no matter what we call them, seafood lovers can all agree on one thing: they’re tasty.
Contrary to popular opinion, crawfish are not just tiny lobsters. Even though they are both equally delicious with butter. Crawfish and lobster are totally different in what they eat, where they live, and how they grow.
Crawfish are smaller, growing only about 2 to 6 inches. Lobsters, on the other hand, are usually at least 8 inches or larger. Lobsters live in saltwater and crawfish in freshwater. Crayfish eat plants, bugs, and whatever they can find on the muddy bottoms of lakes, rivers, and creeks. Lobsters will eat clams, prawns, snails, and small fish.
Though both crustaceans are caught in traps, the crawfish traps are more like nets. But what should we use to lure them?
What Is The Best Bait For Catching Crawfish?
Asking what bait should be used to catch crawfish is like asking for a remedy to use to get rid of a cold. It all depends on who you ask and where they live.
For example, people in Louisiana use gizzards, shad, and pogies. Folks that have been catching crawfish for years in New England swear by herring. In South Carolina it’s liverwurst or canned herring. Floridians use sardines and ox hearts.
Some trappers in the Midwest swear by chicken backs. If you go across the ocean to Finland (a huge crawfish country), they go so far as to use squirrels, chickens, and other small animals.
However, these are, for the most part, local recreational trappers that probably aren’t looking for a huge bounty. If you’re more serious about your crayfish trapping and want to up your chances of a successful catch, most crayfish trappers suggest the following oily fish for crawfish bait.
- salmon
- tilapia
- walleye
- trout
- herring
- carp
- perch
It is not advised that you use bass, catfish, or pike. These fish eat crawfish and even if they are dead, crawfish will run from the smell.
Another option is formulated bait. Pet food companies have started to sell bait pellets in 50 pound bags. These are convenient because they are always on hand, don’t need to be refrigerated, and don’t make a mess. Though this option is not useful when the water is below 70 degrees.
I’ve Caught Some Crawfish. Now What Do I Do With Them?
Once you’ve caught your dinner using some awesome crawfish bait, it’s time to cook them. One of the easiest and most delicious ways is to have a classic boil. Drop the crawfish into some well-seasoned water after you’ve allowed some potatoes and corn to boil for a while.
But if you’d like to get a bit more creative with your crawdads
- fried crawfish etouffee
- crawfish mac’ n cheese
- fried crawfish po boy
- crawfish and corn chowder
- crawfish gumbo
- crawfish quiche
- crawfish dip
- crawfish fritters
- crawfish cakes
- creamy crawfish soup
If you’re not going to eat your crawfish right away, you need to store them properly so they don’t die (never eat a dead crawfish). The best way to keep them fresh is to fill a cooler with fresh water and some bait fish.
The fresh water will not only keep them alive, but it can help filter out any impurities and improve the taste. You can change the water a few times. But as with anything else, the sooner you eat them the better.
Are Crawfish Healthy To Eat?
Overall, crawfish are a healthy food. With only 70 calories per serving, they are a great source of protein at 14 grams. Low in fat, crawfish also have a ton of B vitamins, iron, and selenium.
The only drawback is they do have some cholesterol. Keep it balanced by using low sodium seasoning for a boil. If you’re going to “butter” them, consider no salt version or a butter substitute.
Crawfish Are Popular Critters
This miniature crustacean is so mouthwatering good that it has entire festivals dedicated to it. Of course, there is the famous Louisiana crawfish festival, but the biggest one actually takes place in Augusta, New Jersey. At the start of each summer for the past 31 years, the Sussex County Fairgrounds is overtaken by all things crawfish. With an average of 20,000 people attending over a 2-day period.
There is live music, recipe competitions, dancing, crafts, rides, and, of course, tons of food made with the guest of honor.
Other states that celebrate the delightful deliciousness of the crawfish include Texas, Florida, and Maine.
There’s even a bed and breakfast in Louisiana that is centered around people’s love of crawfish. They offer independent or guided trapping in their ponds. You can have their chef cook them up for you later on or you can do it yourself using their stocked pavilion.
Also on the premises are crawfish cooking classes. The facilities are offered to large parties as well, and private crawfish festivals can happen.
No celebration would be complete with a day. The National Crawfish Day is on April 17th of each year.
Crawfish Facts
1. Crawfish aren’t just red. They come in white, blue, yellow, and green. But they all turn red once boiled.
2. The crawfish lives everywhere in the world except Antarctica.
3. They can regrow limbs.
4. The oldest crawfish fossil found thus far is 30 million years old.
5. Australia has crawfish that grow to be 15 inches long and weigh up to 8 pounds.
6. They can live up to 30 years in the wild.
7. Crawfish are also called mud bugs, freshwater lobster, and yabbies.
8. The study of crawfish is called astracology.
9. Raccoons, snakes, turtles, and birds often eat crawfish.
10. The Moche people of Peru held the crawfish in high regard. The crustacean was often included in their art and on pottery.
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