Crab Shellfish
Rock-crab and swimming-crab baits are natural food for big edibles — deadly for musselcracker.
📍 Where to collect / buy
Caught in rock pools and gulleys at low tide; some sold frozen.
❄️ Preservation
Use fresh or freeze; hardy.
🪝 Rigging
Whole small crabs or halved larger ones on big hooks.
🎯 Presentation
Hook through the carapace; legs removed or left for movement.
🐟 Best species
Musselcracker, white steenbras, bream
#️⃣ Hook sizes
3/0-7/0
💪 Durability
High — tough shell
Note: bait collection (prawn pumping, mussel/redbait picking, cast-netting) requires the correct permit and is subject to daily limits and closed areas. See regulations.
