Does anyone have any suggestions to keep the crabs off when fishing Priest Point for sturgeon ? I went through about two dozen shrimp in less than an hour. Also, if anyone was on one of the boats out there Sunday, how did you do?

That's all part of the game. BTW, did you find any special names to call the crabs?

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?

It depends on who you talk to. Some say it's been very consistent (good consistent), but for me and most others, it's been consistently slow. I know one boat got one yesterday, but that was all for Priest Point. No one was fishing upriver except us (after losing most of the bait in the salt).

This is going to get some laughs but it works. Go to a craft or bridal shop and buy a roll of tulle by the yard, one manufacturer is "modern romance",Isn't fishing exciting.

Tulle is a sturdy cloth netting. The roll is 6in. by 25 yards. Place herring, sand shrimp whatever in the netting and roll tight. Use stretch twine or rubber bands close the ends and tighten the length of the bait.

It won't keep the crabs away but the bait lasts much longer and I think the crabs trying to tear it apart might bring fish in.

Also makes good egg sacks for steelhead fishing. If you try it and disagree one can always go into the bridal veil business.

bob b:

Great idea. I will definitely try that.

The craft stores are full of good stuff for fishing, from beads to feathers and now, apparently, bridal veil. My wife always used to wonder why I don't mind a trip to the craft store, but get bored in Ikea. Then she noticed I buy as much stuff there as she does.

I use the spiderthread and tie the shrimp on so that last a little longer. The other thing I do is dig my own shrimp to keep the cost down.

Look good when you go to the craft or fabric store. That netting comes in LOTs of different colors. I have yellow and red that I have picked up for egg sacks. Match my corkies a little closer. You might pick up a gray or silver for bait fish. A few wraps with the thread will hold it in place and help keep the crabs away. A little smelly jelly wont hurt anything either. Don't let the seagulls get your bait!!

Steve

i use the guaze for first aid cheap works good