Q&A for How to Catch Crawfish

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What are some of the most common mistakes people make when getting prepared to fish?

Kathy Sparrow, MA
Fishing Instructor
Kathy Sparrow is a fly-fishing instructor and adventurer at heart. Kathy is the co-founder and previous manager of the Kingfisher Inn, a fly-fishing lodge on the Lower Laguna Madre in Texas. She is the author of "On the Mother Lagoon: Flyfishing and the Spiritual Journey" and "The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout” a novel conveying the feminine perspective of fly fishing. Kathy is also a Certified Canfield Trainer in Canfield Methodologies. She guides individuals through the process of embracing change by expressing confidence, awareness, and courage through the tools of writing, fly fishing, and intentional conversation. She has a MA in English with an emphasis in Literature and Cultural Studies from the University of Texas-Pan American.

Kathy Sparrow, MA

Fishing Instructor

Expert Answer

Probably not preparing for the weather. It's going to rain sometimes. Always keep rain gear ready. Having backup equipment is also really important. Make sure you have two rods with you because things happen. Polaroid glasses are an absolute must. Those allow you to see into the water. Mindset is the other thing to prepare. Go with a sense of adventure. Know that you're probably going to make mistakes, we all do. You might not catch fish and that's okay but you're going to learn something in the process and if you do catch fish, that's a bonus.

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Question

What is the best location to go crawfishing?

Community Answer

Look for lakes and ponds with a lot of rocks and a lot of vegetation.

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Question

What is the best bait for catching crawfish?

Community Answer

Hotdogs! I have caught dozens with a single slice of one. Crawfish are attracted to the pungent meaty aroma and will clamp right on.

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Question

How do you get rid of crayfish in your yard? They're taking over mine.

Community Answer

Try trapping them in a smaller version of a lobster trap. Make a wire cage with a cone-shaped funnel entrance (small end inside the cage), and bait the cage with smelly bait similar to crab traps.

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Question

How does a cray fish looks when it is mad?

Community Answer

They lunge back with their claws spread side to side and open, ready to pinch. This, however, is defensive behavior and not really anger.

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Question

What is the best way to find crawfish mounds?

Community Answer

Look in lakes, ponds, creeks or places known to have crawfish. Flip rocks, wood or other things a crayfish might be hiding under.

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Question

How big do crawfish get?

Community Answer

They can grow to 4.5 inches, but 3 inches or so is standard.

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Question

Do I need a license if I am under 18?

Community Answer

It depends what country and state you are in, so you will want to check your local laws to determine whether or not you will need a license.

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Question

Can I buy a crawfish trap somewhere?

Community Answer

Yes, there are some on shopping websites like Amazon. Just look up "Crawfish traps for sale" and something should pop up.

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Question

Can I catch crawfish in December?

Community Answer

Yes, just dig around. They burrow into mud to hibernate, so poke around a bit. Look at the banks too.

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Question

Where can I find crayfish that doesn't involve going to a river?

Community Answer

Some can be found just streams and creeks. You won't find them in a dry place, though, they live near water.

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Question

Can I catch crawfish with worms?

Community Answer

Yes, worms are very good to use as bait. You could also use all different kinds of baitfish and remains of bigger fish.

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Question

Do I find them in a creek pipe?

Community Answer

Yes you can, if it is in the water enough for them to swim into.

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Question

Do crawfish hide if there is a snake nearby?

Community Answer

Snakes are not natural predators for crawfish, as freshwater snakes usually swim above water.

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Question

Will possibly polluted water affect the taste/safety of the crawfish once I eat it?

Community Answer

Yes. It will affect the taste and it is possibly a health risk. They stay in the water for most of their lives "marinating," so to speak, in whatever water they're living in.

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Question

Can I go fishing in my pond?

Community Answer

This depends on whether there are fish in the pond and if there are and crawfish in the pond. Some fish eat crawfish, but there may be mounds around the pond a story can dig them out.

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Question

Can you catch crayfish in a river?

Community Answer

Yes, one of the best ways is with a seine, a piece of mesh a couple feet wide and long tied to long straight sticks on either end. The best method is to face the current and kick around the river bottom with your feet. The river can be fast or slow moving, but the best rivers have lots and lots of rocks.

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Question

Do crawfish eat small lake clams on rocks?

Community Answer

Yes they do. They also eat snails and dead, decaying fish and other small fish.

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Question

Are crawfish in saltwater?

Community Answer

No. All crawfish live in freshwater, but shrimp would make excellent bait for fish.

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Question

Do crawfish live in stagnant ponds?

Community Answer

Yes, certain kinds of crawfish live in stagnant areas, while others prefer fresh, running water.

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Question

How can I attract a lot of crayfish in one night?

Community Answer

Load a woman's nylons with stinky rabbit guts, tie a line around it, and throw it in the pond or stream. In five minutes the nylons will be covered. They don't fall off the nylon easily, they have to be shaken off. Doing this three or four times will yield a full five gallons.

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Question

If I hand catch a crayfish, can it pinch me still if I did it right?

Community Answer

It could. Make sure you have your finger in the right spot.

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Question

Are there crawfish in the Thames?

Community Answer

Yes, and there should be a lot of them.

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Question

How do I make a crawfish bait jar for my trap?

Community Answer

Monkey glue a fish hook to the bottom of the jar, then put the bait on that.

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Question

Should you always use freshly dead road kill for bait?

Community Answer

You can but make sure it is fresh or, as mentioned in the article, the old meat will not attract them.

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Question

Can I use crawfish as catfish bait?

Community Answer

Yes, catfish actually love crawfish; I've heard that if you hook them in the body, the catfish really like the tails.

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Question

How do I shelter my crawfish?

Community Answer

A simple SpongeBob pineapple from Petco will work fine. Anything the crawfish can hide in or under will be suitable. Just be sure to have a filter and aerator or the crawfish will die.

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Question

How long should I keep my trap inside the water?

Community Answer

It depends on how many crayfish you want to catch, as well as the method of baiting the trap you choose. If you use a bait box, you can probably place the trap in the evening and return the following morning. If you use a bait jar, the crayfish will lose interest eventually, so you probably should stick to a few hours or less. If you just put the bait straight in the trap, I would recommend leaving the trap in place for less than an hour, as the crayfish will eat the bait and then leave if you leave the trap for much longer.

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Question

Are there crayfish in Indiana?

Community Answer

Yes, but they can be pretty rare.

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Question

Do the hot dogs need to be cooked?

Community Answer

No, it's not necessary to cook them.

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