Soft back crabs for Bass?!

[shamoo0804]

Hi all,

I was out digging bait yesterday and was chatting to another guy who was collecting peeler.

When first talking to him, I had told him I was gonna try for some Bass later that evening.

As we had both finished our bait collecting, he brought over to me some soft backed crabs, which he said were excellent bait for Bass.

They seemed to be much more plentiful than the peeler's aswell.

I tried them without success last night (I didnt get a Bass on any other bait mind you).

I was wondering if anybody else has used them, are they successful?

I cant remember seeing a shore report on SAI where somebody has mentioned them as bait, hence asking the question here.

Any comments gratefully appreciated

[Pat]

Softies are very good, as are crispies. Have a look at this... http://www.sea-angling-ireland.org/bull ... ght=#89553

[Pat Spillane]

I prefer them when really soft but they certainly work even when frozen. Had a common smut on one last Monday.

[captain AHAB]

hi shamoo,peelers are so good because as they peel they release hormones to attract mates which also attracts the fish.however this release of hormones stops when they have peeled making for a very good visual bait with little or no scent trail.softies will still catch fish but you`ll have to put the bait right on top of the fish.

[shamoo0804]

Thanks for the help lads

[thirty]

i find some of the soft back crabs to be very watery

[Rockhopper]

i find some of the soft back crabs to be very watery

I would think thats because they fill themselves up with water to expand and force the old shell off.

Tom.

[booner]

i have a mate who will not use softies, only peelers, he said they are a waste of time which i find hard to believe cos we have gutted fish which had small hardbacks in em(the odd conger for the pot). so last year on two occasions i fished beside him, his peeler versus my softies and twice i blanked while he caught flounder and schoolies, i couldnt believe it.