We lost less bait to crabs when we started fishing during the tide changes. Maybe the crabs can't get the bait as well when they are being swept along the bottom. I think you want to be in areas where the water is really moving anyway because it stirs up and dislodges sandshrimp and the sturgeon are waiting for them. These are just my theories. No real proof.

We also move a lot when the crab are bad. Some areas seem better than others.

Or try switching bait to herring or something a little bit tougher. Never tried it, but it seems like mackerel or some stinky fish with tough skin would make good bait.

Aside from the crab, how did you do? Is it picking up?