Best Bait for Crab Traps (and What Doesn't Work)

The best bait for crab traps is something oily, smelly and fresh. In BC, chicken, fish heads and salmon carcasses are the most popular choices, and they work well for both Dungeness and red rock crab.

The right bait gets crabs into your trap. The wrong bait wastes a soak. Here's what to use, what to skip and how to keep it on the hook, so to speak, in your crab traps.

•         Fresh, oily, strong-smelling bait works best.

•         Chicken is cheap and reliable. Fish heads and salmon carcasses are local favourites.

•         Old, dried-out or loose bait usually doesn't pay off.

•         Always secure bait in a cage or jar so crabs can't pull it out.

•         Shorter soaks and fresh bait help beat seals and sea lice.

What Attracts Crabs to a Trap

Crabs hunt by smell. They follow scent trails through the water to find food on the bottom. That means your bait needs to release plenty of scent, and keep releasing it for as long as the trap soaks.

Oily fish and raw chicken skin do this well. They leak oils and juices slowly into the water, which creates a trail the crabs can follow back to your trap.

Freshness matters too. Bait that's been sitting in the sun, or has been stripped by a previous soak, won't draw much attention. Keep your bait and fishing tools in a cooler or tote so everything stays fresh until the trap goes over the side. You can find a good selection of bait and fishing tools at our shop.

Best Baits for Crab Traps: Chicken, Fish Heads, Salmon Carcasses

There's no single perfect bait, but these are the ones BC crabbers trust most.

Raw chicken. Chicken backs, legs and carcasses are cheap and easy to find. The skin and fat give off a steady scent. Many beginners start here.

Fish heads and frames. Heads and carcasses from salmon, rockfish or other oily fish are strong attractors. Ask your local fish shop for scraps. If you're using carcasses from your own catch, make sure the fish was legal to keep.

Salmon carcasses. Salmon is rich and oily, so it leaves a strong scent trail. It's a favourite on the BC coast for good reason.

Herring and other small oily fish. Whole or cut herring works well and is easy to buy frozen. Cut a few slits in the body so more scent escapes.

Tip: Mix two kinds of bait. A piece of chicken with a fish head gives you both a quick scent burst and a longer-lasting trail.

Baits That Don't Work Well

Most crabbers find that these options let them down:

•         Dried-out or freezer-burned bait. It has lost most of its scent.

•         Bait that's already been stripped. If you pull a trap and the bait is just bones and skin, replace it before you reset.

•         Loose bait with no container. Crabs can drag it out of the trap and eat it outside.

•         Bread, kibble and other filler. It dissolves quickly or doesn't smell like food to a crab.

•         Lean, bland scraps. Without oil or fat, there isn't much scent to follow.

What about canned cat food? Some boaters use it in a pinch, in a container with holes in it. It can work for a short soak, but it washes out quickly. Fresh bait is more reliable.

How to Use Bait Cages and Bait Jars

A bait cage or jar holds your bait in place while letting the scent flow out. Without one, crabs can pull bait out through the trap openings and leave without being caught.

Here's how to use one:

1.       Fill the cage about two-thirds full. Don't pack it tight, or the scent can't escape.

2.       Cut larger pieces open so juices and oils can flow.

3.       Close it firmly, and hang it in the centre of the trap.

4.       Double-check that the cage can't slide out the door or opening.

Whatever bait you use, rig your gear so the line stays out of the way. Many crabbers use sinking rope for trap lines so the line stays below boat traffic and away from propellers.

Safety note: Raw chicken and fish carry bacteria. Wash your hands after handling bait, and keep it away from food and drinks on board.

Keeping Seals and Sea Lice Off Your Bait

Two things can wreck a good bait: seals and sea lice.

Sea lice aren't real lice. They're tiny crustaceans that swarm bait and strip it clean, sometimes in a few hours. You'll know you have them if you pull a trap and find nothing left in the cage.

Seals are smart and can learn that traps mean food. They may raid traps or pull bait out.

Here's how to keep both under control:

•         Use shorter soaks. The longer bait sits, the more likely it is to be stripped.

•         Use a tight bait cage. Small holes slow down sea lice and seals.

•         Rebait often. Fresh scent beats bait that's been in the water all day.

•         Don't dump scraps. Throwing fish waste off the dock or boat teaches seals to hang around.

•         Move if it keeps happening. If you're losing bait every time, try a different spot.

Please don't chase, feed or harass seals. Disturbing marine mammals is against Canadian law. For current crab limits, size rules and closures, check Fisheries and Oceans Canada's sport fishing guidelines for crab before every trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chicken or fish better for crab bait?

Both work. Chicken is cheap and easy to find, while oily fish like salmon and herring give off a stronger scent. Many crabbers use a bit of each.

How often should I change bait?

Change it every time you reset the trap. If you soak for more than a few hours, check it between sets, since bait can be stripped quickly.

Does cat food work for crab traps?

It can work for a short soak if it's in a container with holes. But it washes out fast, so fresh chicken or fish is usually the better choice.

Related read: Once your bait is ready, our guide on how to set crab traps shows where and how to drop them.

Get Your Bait and Gear Ready

Good bait is only half the job. You also need a solid trap, the right line and a few tools that make hauling easier.

Working on your crab setup? Shop Gründens fishing gear at Steveston Marine to stay dry on the water, or drop by our Richmond store and ask the team what's working this season.