Using Crayfish for Largemouth Bass

Crayfish, or crawfish and crawdads as they are also known, are found all over the world. There are 150 species inhabiting North America, and more than 540 variations across the globe. These tiny freshwater lobsters are related to shrimp, crabs, and of course, lobster. Crayfish can be effective in virtually any pond that holds a good population of bass, but work well in those with a native crawfish population. My article will show you where to look for them and how to collect the crayfish yourself, as well outlining a few methods of fishing them.
Where To Find Crayfish:

Crayfish can be found in streams, ponds, lakes, swamps, and rivers all across the world. However, that does not mean they are present in every water body you come across. Determining whether a certain area contains crayfish is not easy, but not that difficult either. A good population of crayfish is usually dependent on a clean water source. This minimizes your chances of finding them in polluted areas. Most commonly in the northeastern states, crayfish are found in clean streams and rivers, as well as some reservoirs, lakes, and ponds. If the area is wadable then turning over rocks and looking under leaves and other bottom structure can be a good way to find them. If wading is not an option than you can also try to catch the crayfish overnight in a trap.

How To Catch Crayfish:
Leave the trap in a good area. Spots with an overhang, rocks, and timber are all good choices. Although there are numerous ways to bait a trap, most people agree that fresh fish is the best way to catch crayfish. Of course, others will argue that chicken liver, worms, or even dog food is the best bait. Cut the fish into chunks and place them in your specialized crayfish trap. These traps are not too expensive and should be affordable to almost everyone. Leave the trap overnight and check it the next morning. Even in water bodies with known populations of crayfish, you often will not get anything with your first attempt. Crayfish usually favor particular areas in their habitat, and tend to congregate in large numbers in these spots. Searching the shoreline with a flashlight at night can help you determine where the best spots are.
Where To Fish Crayfish:

Once you have caught a good amount of crayfish (or perhaps you were lucky enough to find them at a bait shop), go to your favorite fishing spot. If you don't have one, or are in a unknown area, then look for any points, coves, drop-offs, fallen trees, weeds, or lilly-pads. Now that you have a good spot, rig the crayfish. Depending on your target depth you may want to use a split shot a foot above the crayfish. However, going weightless will make your presentation more effective.
How To Rig Crayfish:

There are two ways to hook a crayfish effectively. One is through the tail, so when you reel in the crayfish it will move backwards like an actual live crayfish. Another way is to hook the bait between the eyes, making sure you don't hook it too deeply and mortally injure it. Allow the crayfish to swim around, leaving your bail open and keeping your eye on the line. Alternatively, if you are hooking the crayfish through the tail and/or using a weight, then you can opt for a slow retrieve.

In conclusion, adding crayfish to your live bait arsenal is a sure-fire way to improve your success. Live bait is famous for persuading even the most stubborn of fish into biting. Good luck!