How can you tell if a crab is a peeler crab?

Question

and are there any baits just as good as peeler crabs, or better?

Answer 1

a peeler has a soft shell because it has just shed it's original shell, it's that plain and it's that simple, peeler is an excellent bait for the likes of cod and bass, i have had really good results bass fishing in the surf with peeler. peeler is not an easy bait to hook up properly so make sure you present it correctly. good fishing.

Answer 2

If its a peeler crab you should be able to slide the hard shell from its legs with ease to leave a soft flesh, also when they are peeling they are very weak if it nips you with one of its claws it wont hurt if its peeling. Crab s a very good bait.

Answer 3

There is also a shedder oil that works great as a marinade for squid strips or dip your minnows and jigs into before casting out.  

Answer 4

peelers have a softer shell and are usualy hidden under rocks for protection. there is no better bait in the summer but frozen peeler is also good or ragworm. try adding ragworm to your peeler crab bait , bass love it.

Answer 5

when the crab is like a stone head waiting for u to catch.also when u see the lower line to its back starts to loosen up a bit if the shell is still hard means it still didn't peel yet just started to.when it is soft when u hold it means after that process of shedding,no bait is better than this baby when in term of baiting Cos when they shed they produce some sort of chemical n fish can detect that from miles away in the water.if u can get lots of it as your bait u r most probably gonna get big fish from your trip.a peeler can get u a bite in a sec if the fish is nearby.remember the hooks must be exposed for u to set your hook.fish that take crabs have a very hard mouth so u must give it a good whack to set.

Answer 6

Very easy. Just get your fingernail underneath the shell at the rear and try and lift the shell up. If there's hardly any resistance and the shell lifts up slightly then it's ready to peel.

If the crab has already peeled, it will have no shell and a very soft back.

As far as alternative baits go, always get the freshest. Whether it's live sandeel or Rag/Lugworm or a small whiting or joey mackerel fished on a large hook. If using dead baits, always go for fresh and try to avoid any frozen baits, I just don't rate them.