FISHING TIP : In late spring ; there ’ s an abundance of small young-of-the-year crawfish ; try starting the year with smaller craw-style baits and increase in size as the summer progresses into fall . This process mimics the natural progression of the crawfish life cycle and will get you more bites .
Habitat
Part of the reason for the widespread success of crawfish is their ability to adapt to a wide variety of habitats . Some prefer rocky , cold-water substrates and others can handle brackish , mucky , estuarine environments . Similarly , crawfish can easily feed on both plant and animal matter , and many species are skilled burrowers .
The one thing that many crawfish are sensitive to , though , is water quality . Most species do best in clean , non-polluted waters . Several are on state endangered species lists . Water quality improvements in the last 30 to 40 years have improved crawfish abundance and distribution in many parts of the country .
FISHING TIP : When looking for a crawfish bite , don ’ t just assume rocks . There are many species of crawfish that seek out and thrive in dense vegetation . If you need to see for yourself this summer , go dredge up a big clump of weeds and flip through it . There will more than likely be a few crawfish in it . Craws are excellent baits to flip in milfoil , cabbage and hydrilla , as well as for trailers on ChatterBaits and swim jigs . Slim-profile craws also make excellent compact punching baits .
Locomotion
Crawfish have two main methods for moving around . When foraging or going about their normal business , they walk slowly using three pairs of legs found along the sides of their body . Although their legs get them around , it ’ s their tail that serves as the afterburner , so if a crawfish needs to flee from a predator , it
behavior claws senses antennae locomotion legs and tail hops off the bottom , flapping its tail rapidly , scooting away backwards ( something familiar to anyone who ’ s tried to catch a crawfish with their hands ). FISHING TIP : Match the fleeing motion by imparting a stop-start action on any bottom-dragging bait . Whether it ’ s “ hopping ” a jig , snapping a tube or stop-starting a crankbait , just concentrate on doing something different . These speed changes look a lot like a crawfish trying to boogie and can trigger strikes when other retrieves aren ’ t working .
Crawfish Senses
Crawfish have poor visual detail but detect light and dark well ( if you ’ re trying to catch crawfish by hand , watch what happens when your shadow goes over them ). They also have welldeveloped antennae and are extremely sensitive to both movement and vibration and have a well-developed sense of smell .
FISHING TIP : Don ’ t cut your jig skirts all the way across .
Trimming a jig skirt makes a more compact and realistic profile at times . When trimming , consider leaving a couple strands at their original length . It provides the appearance of antennae – a more natural look overall .
Behavior
When threatened , crawfish raise their claws and tuck their tail in , creating both a defensive posture and a way of prepping the “ big motor ” in case they have to flee . There are some cool videos on the internet that show crawfish responding defensively to the presence of both humans and bass .
FISHING TIP : Choose jig trailers that float or use “ standup ” style jig heads . Both these things impart the “ claws up ” posture of a crawfish on defense .
Numerous manufacturers have options that do this in their lineups .
Although not important in all situations , in clear water or around pressured fish , paying attention to things like this will absolutely get you more bites .
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM 33