I have always used sand shrimp over prawns as bait but others tell me prawns catch just as many fish and hold onto the hook much better. I like the idea of a better holding bait but only if they can really catch fish.

Any opinions of the 2 baits out here? When using prawns, do you just go to the grocery store and buy a pound or so, then shell them and use them raw? I have also heard there are ways of curing prawns with other colors and flavors. Has anyone tried that?

I'm going to try prawns this week for chums in the Sky. I hope it's not a mistake but it seems worth a try for a while at least.

Thanks,
Bill

If you use prawns in the Sky to just tip your hook, you will have a fun day my friend!

I tried both last week on the sky for chum. Prawns definetly outfished sand shrimp on this occasion. Buy some prawns at the market and throw them in a bag with some rock salt to preserve them and toughen them up a bit. Cut them into smaller chunks and use them with a float and jig set up. You'll crush those chums if they are around!

Im curious about prawns for steelhead. I have tried some before without success, but that was probably more me then the prawns.

I would like to know if anyone has used one of the egg cures to color them up or if there is a product out there for them?

I have used raw prawns with great success. I shell them, cut them into pieces, put then into a zip lock and add a few drops of red food coloring. I wait awhile then lightly rinse. #4 gamakatsu, red puffball, purple yarn with a bit of prawn.....hold on tight my friend!

I definently prefer Sand Shrimp.

Being the stick man, my fishing partners always have their backs to me. I really do enjoy popping the heads off of those little buggers onto their raincoats, or just over their shoulders.

Keeps the day entertaining!

We've had very good success tipping jigs with chunks of prawn meat. Driftfished, I can only say that I've had as good of success with prawns under dirtier water conditions. I like my shrimpies

I've had very good luck with prawns and steelhead. I color them up with Procure and than cut them into approximately three pieces per tail. Two of the best things about them are they stay on the hook super well and they don't get your boat all messy like eggs do.