Several questions about craw worms

[mheichelbech]

Had a few questions about craw worms that I couldn't find answers to and hoping you all could help:

 

1) Do the craws that appear to more authentic with claws, body style, etc do better or do baits like a Rage Craw or the other type of craws that have flapping "claws" do better?  Are there times when one does better than another or is it just individual choice and what you have confidence in?

 

2) When do you decide to use a jig and craw trailer versus just t-rigging a craw?

And again...do you prefer the more realistic version or the versions that maybe have more action with the flapping claws, etc.?

 

3) What factors help you decide whether to use a bigger craw versus a smaller one?  

I have had many times when I was catching 3-5 pounders on the smallest power crawls (maybe 2-3 inches long) and could catch nothing on the bigger ones..I'm guessing there must have been a recent hatch but didn't know why they were choosing the smaller baits.

[RoLo]

 

Not quite sure what you mean by 'craw-worm'.

In any case, the difference between a T-rigged Rage Craw and a Jig & Rage Craw

is the weighting system (subtleties therein are founded on personal preference)

 

I've seen no real evidence that realism is a valid criteria, for instance the highly realistic

'Yum Crawbug' has been soundly trounced by the 'Paca Craw' which flaps like a dead sea turtle.

 

On the contrary, I've seen plenty of evidence that big baits catch bass of a higher mean weight.

That's not to say that a large bass won't strike a small bait nor vice versa.

 

Roger

[Catt]

My most productive craw worm ever is a Gene Larew Hawg Craw, pictured below.

 

I like bigger craw worms cause I don't fish for tighteyes!

 

My preference is to throw a Jig-n-Craw first & the Texas Rigged next.

[mheichelbech]

1 hour ago, RoLo said:

 

Not quite sure what you mean by 'craw-worm'.

In any case, the difference between a T-rigged Rage Craw and a Jig & Rage Craw

is the weighting system (subtleties therein are founded on personal preference)

 

I've seen no real evidence that realism is a valid criteria, for instance the highly realistic

'Yum Crawbug' has been soundly trounced by the 'Paca Craw' which flaps like a dead sea turtle.

 

On the contrary, I've seen plenty of evidence that big baits catch bass of a higher mean weight.

That is not to say that a large bass won't strike a small bait nor vice versa.

 

Roger

Some people call the baits like what is in the picture that is posted a "craw worm"...no idea why.  I am just trying to figure when it would be better to throw a Paca or Rage type craw (or something like it) versus one that looks more like a real crawdad as in the posted picture.  I am just getting back into serious fishing after a long layoff and the Rage type draws are new to me.  I used to have a lot of success fishing with a power craw and other baits of that type that imitated an actual craw.  However, I am wondering if I would better with the newer types or if doesn't make that much difference.

[riverbasser]

The difference your asking about seems to come down to action. Fast flapping claws vs more stiff subtle claws. I can't tell you when one works better than another only the bass know that. I definatley throw craws with fast action more. 

 

I like a rage craw, lobster and big bite baits swimming craw. All of these can be t-rigged or used for trailers. I also use zoom twin tail grubs as a jig trailer a lot when I'm trying to mimmick a craw. 

[RoLo]

1 hour ago, mheichelbech said:

Some people call the baits like what is in the picture that is posted a "craw worm"...no idea why.  

 

Makes two of us..lol

 

Quote

I am just trying to figure when it would be better to throw a Paca or Rage type craw (or something like it) versus one that looks more like a real crawdad as in the posted picture.  I am just getting back into serious fishing after a long layoff and the Rage type draws are new to me.  I used to have a lot of success fishing with a power craw and other baits of that type that imitated an actual craw.  However, I am wondering if I would better with the newer types or if doesn't make that much difference.

 

We're talking here about a moving target.

Beyond what I offered above, I'd place the emphasis on honing my location and lure presentation,

rather than lure nuances.

 

Roger

 

[Catt]

IDK! Always called em craw worms

 

[mheichelbech]

That's a good looking craw!  It seems to me the ones above would excel in clearer water when you definitely want to imitate a crawfish and want a slimmer profile than a jig.  And maybe the other style in more stained water and want more action and water disturbance....or as a swimming type trailer.

[WRB]

I don't think Mad Man craws are still made? Crawdads don't move flapping their claws, they flap the tail. Big flapping claws better represent bluegills or baitfish but bass don't seem to care and strike flapping claws anyway. 

I prefer using the style craw worms Catt uses, they look and move like a real crawdads and catch bass. Size try sizes 3" to 5" and let the basses response guide you.

Tom

[Catt]

10 hours ago, WRB said:

I don't think Mad Man craws are still made? Crawdads don't move flapping their claws, they flap the tail. Big flapping claws better represent bluegills or baitfish but bass don't seem to care and strike flapping claws anyway. 

I prefer using the style craw worms Catt uses, they look and move like a real crawdads and catch bass. Size try sizes 3" to 5" and let the basses response guide you.

Tom

 

Barlow's Tackle & Lake Fork Tackle have a knock off that's pretty close to Mad Man.

 

Large Crawfish's pinchers actually move when swimming but not like a Paca Craw.

 

A jig-n-pork chunk does not resemble a crawfish!

[scaleface]

I have a several different ones and dont fret to much about which to use . I like the Larew Salt  Craw  too but the 4 inch  version for tight eyes LOL .    I go after numbers and there will be a few big ones mixed in .  I prefer to use the ones that are skinny and round like a worm  with the craw body .   I fish them and rig them  exactly like I do a worm.

[SeeNoSun]

17 hours ago, Catt said:

IDK! Always called em craw worms

 

Are those Madman craws?  If not, they look very close. I love Madman and still have a bunch but if they are Barlow's or Lake Fork I will pick some up and give them a try.

 

[TX-Deluxe]

17 hours ago, Catt said:

IDK! Always called em craw worms

 

What are those?

[crypt]

19 hours ago, Catt said:

My most productive craw worm ever is a Gene Larew Hawg Craw, pictured below.

 

I like bigger craw worms cause I don't fish for tighteyes!

 

My preference is to throw a Jig-n-Craw first & the Texas Rigged next.

this is what I've been doing for as long as I can remember..........

[Catt]

Those were given to me by Darren "MadMan" Mooneyham

[RoLo]

 

There are very few plastic craws that I haven't fished, but my favorite crayfish simulator

is still the Deps 4½“ Twin-tail Grub. On the other hand, my wife’s done remarkably well

with the Gene Larew Rattlin Crawler. The rattle is killer in dingy water, and every time I turn around

she's setting the hook.  Overall though, the 4½“ Twin-tail Grub hangs more hippos than the Rattlin Crawler.

 

Roger

[SeeNoSun]

1 hour ago, Catt said:

Those were given to me by Darren "MadMan" Mooneyham

I wish he was still making them.

[Catt]

[mheichelbech]

16 hours ago, SeeNoSun said:

I wish he was still making them.

I though Yum had taken it over and is producing them now.  I see the exact same baits in Yum branded packaging on Bass Pro shelves nowadays.

[SeeNoSun]

5 hours ago, mheichelbech said:

I though Yum had taken it over and is producing them now.  I see the exact same baits in Yum branded packaging on Bass Pro shelves nowadays.

 

I'm pretty sure they are not the same.  Here are the craws offered by Yum on their web site:

http://www.yumbaits.com/baits/craws

[Catt]

5 hours ago, mheichelbech said:

I though Yum had taken it over and is producing them now.  I see the exact same baits in Yum branded packaging on Bass Pro shelves nowadays.

 

They are producing the "CrawBug" which is similar to the ManMan Craw Tube.