Saltwater Fly Fishing With Small Blue Crabs And Soft Shell Crabs

Small soft shell crabs and small blue crabs make up a large part of the diet of the saltwater fish that inhabit the shallower saltwater habitats.

I started fly fishing when I was around seven years old with my uncle in the mountains of Virginia. My first experience saltwater fly fishing happened when I was about twenty three years old on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. That particular trip, like my first fly fishing trip with my uncle was one of my most memorable fly fishing trips ever. Partly because it was my first time fly fishing saltwater but mostly because the weather was great and the fish were everywhere. Now at sixty years old I cannot even count the number of times or all the places in the world I have been saltwater fly fishing. I am also blessed at my age to be in excellent health and very fit.

All species of soft shell crabs are, for the most part, born in the backwaters of sounds, bays and saltwater areas protected by reefs. As they grow larger they will migrate to somewhat deeper water and even into the open ocean. Migratory species and spawning species of saltwater fish often will either spawn in or enter the back bays, sounds or the calm water between a reef and the beach to feed. Some but not all of these species include Redfish, Tarpon, Bluefish, Drum, False Albacore, Stripers and more. As fish often do when caught, they will regurgitate whatever they have eaten recently. The first large Tarpon (91 lbs) I ever caught on a fly rod was in the Tampa Bay and it threw up one minnow and several crabs.

There are several species of saltwater fish that spend most if not all of their lives in the bays, sounds, flats and the protected areas between a reef and the shore. The most notable of these are the Bonefish, Snook and the Permit. A large portion of the Permits diet consists of small crabs and Bonefish will always feed on small crabs. I have also caught Pompano in the Florida Keys and in Belize that regurgitated crabs. In the southern waters of Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Mexico the spotted sea trout are year round inhabitants that also often feed on small crabs.

There are many variations of saltwater fly fishing crabs available. Some are made of yarn, feathers, and coated foam. I personally think the coated foam crabs look more realistic and have found them to be most productive.

I do hope you find this information useful and always remember to check the saltwater regulations regarding species, size and bag limits on the fish you can keep. If you can keep enough for a great dinner than do so but always release the rest so that we and our chandler and grandchildren will be able to enjoy the sport we love.

Tight lines, calm winds and clear water,

Brian

-By: Brian Smith

Brian started flyfishing when he was eight years old and now owns adn runs a website dedicated to fly fishing.

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