How to Catch Fiddler Crabs

Fiddler crabs are small crabs often found near the waterline of a sandy beach or in marshy areas of brackish inland waters. They generally grow to be no bigger than 3 inches across. Male fiddler crabs are easily identifiable from females because they generally have an enlarged claw which can be on either side. They also have a very soft outer shell. Because of their shell and size, they are often used as bait. Catching fiddler crabs can be done either using a castnet or trapping them in a buried container.

Things You'll Need

  • Chopped bait, such as minnows or moist pet food
  • Castnet
  • Containers
Show More

Instructions

  1. Catch Fiddler Crabs Using a Net

    • 1

      Walk along the edge of a shoreline on the beach or near a marsh. Locate fiddler crabs running back and forth between the water's edge and the shore; alternatively, look for areas in the sand with several small indentations. Fiddler crabs are known to bury themselves into the sand or marshy ground when not feeding.

    • 2

      Throw bait, such as chopped minnows or moist pet food, along the shoreline to attract the fiddler crabs.

    • 3

      Toss a castnet over them when you have several grouped in one area and gather the net back together.

    • 4

      Place any caught fiddler crabs in a tall container lined with moist sand or mud.

    Trap Fiddler Crabs in a Container

    • 5

      Locate an area near a beach shoreline or edge of a lake that likely has fiddler crabs. Look for the telltale signs of fiddler crab activity, such as indentations or small tracks in the sand or mud.

    • 6

      Dig a hole in the sand or mud that is deep enough to bury a tall container, such as a bucket, so only 1/2 inch or so of the top edge is exposed.

    • 7

      Pack the area around the top edge of the container with sand or mud so that is smooth and the container is hidden from view.

    • 8

      Line the bottom of the container with moist sand or mud. Add bait, such as moist pet food on top of the sand in the bucket.

    • 9

      Leave the bucket to sit overnight and you should have crabs trapped in it by the next morning.