Rigging Berkely Sand Fleas (Crabs)

[Tree Doc]

I primarily fish the typical "MORF" grub and now the GULP Sandworms but I have a few packs of these GULP Sand Crabs. To those that are using them, how do you hook these? I always seem to utilize a Carolina Rig set-up with the sliding sinker above my bead and swivel. Any other rigging suggestions for surf?

[GaffnLaff]

Some like to drop shot (dropper loop). Stick wit da carolina.

[FISHY]

FYI take red sharpie and color the belly. It seems to work for me.

[SDtone]

I used them yesterday both carolina rig and with a dropper loop w/a 3” swim bait at the bottom. The only problem I had was the fish were inhaling the sand crabs resulting in very deep hook sets. Oh and I was using size 4 mosquito hook.

[Tree Doc]

I should clarify my question since I made them both run together. I too am using #4-#6 mosquito type hooks but I was wondering how you physically hook the bait? I assume perhaps as you would a real live sandcrab but I have never fished a live sandcrab for comparison.

[fishingsolo]

I always use the carolina rig and with the gulp sand crabs I sometimes just pin them on and sometimes hook it the same as the grubs. To keep from having your bait inhaled keep your line tight in the retrieve.

[Enfuego]

The best and easiest way is to hook them weedless like a plastic worm. Bury the hook inside the crab. This will keep kelp off your hook and filter out all the rat BSP. I went the day before yesturday and decided to switch over to the sand crab, i had been using gulp worms prior. Bigger fish, but they do inhale it. So bring plenty of hooks. Fish them in 1-3 feet of water in areas around sand crabs. The corbina hang in 1-3 of water and suck the sand crabs out of the sand. Really slow retrieve with really tight line.
Have fun.

[Randy B]

For the ½” version a #6 or even a #8 Owner Mosquito works. I have also used circle hooks on the 1” version the hook shape accommodates the shape of the crab.
Pictured below is how I commonly hook them I use the same hooking method for both sizes and hook types. My best results have been with the New Penny and Ripline Mudd colors and I seem to get bigger models with the 1” size.

[Tree Doc]

Awesome guys!!!

Thanks for the tips and thanks for the Pic, RandyB! I was trying to think how I would explain the process of hooking a crab but a picture paints a thousand words!

A favorable tide is upon us again up here on the Central Coast and if I don't get in my 'yak to poke at some rockfish, I'm headed for the surf.

Thanks again!

[Mo Betta]

Pinch down the barb on the hooks for cleaner releases