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Natural, resistant to hooks and currents, the crab attracts fish accustomed to crushing shells and carapaces on rocky or mixed bottoms. But beyond the legend, which species really fall into the trap? Let's decipher a classic of sea fishing.
Sea bream, the emblematic target
The gilthead bream (Sparus aurata) unquestionably reigns supreme among crab lovers. This wily sparid, with its outspoken attacks, patrols beach edges, estuaries and harbour areas in search of stray crabs. When surfcasting, a green or white crab skewered via the legs triggers explosive strikes, especially at high tide when the fish is actively hunting. Anglers from the English Channel to the Mediterranean know it: on hard sand or rocks, it's the n°1 bait to bring out specimens weighing from 1 to 3 kg, and even more for the clever old-timers.
Sars, for power lovers
These muscular sparids, which frequent breaks, weed beds and hard bottoms, effortlessly crush soft shells. A jig or toc with a whole crab of 4-5 cm often sets the scions vibrating on Breton jetties or Provencal creeks. Their firm flesh and combativeness make them a must-have, particularly in spring and autumn.
Bars and pagres in the crosshairs
The line bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), or wolf, is not to be outdone. Less selective than sparids, it will melt on crabs animated by the current, near dykes or rocky heaps. In a dead line or to support, a piece of edible crab or blue crab (an invasive species in the Mediterranean) can surprise a beautiful 70 cm subject. On the south coast, pagres (Pagellus spp.) share this greed, especially on wrecks and deep areas where crab rest naturally.
Old, flat and bonus
Olds (Pollachius pollachius), these stocky labrids, respond well to big, hard crabs in deep water. In the North Atlantic, they are a fine challenge for light tackle anglers. On the flat-bottom side, plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) or turbot are interested in soft crabs deposited in finesse, while flounder can pinch a leg tip in sandy bays.
Crabs by species: the right choice
- Green crab (Carcinus maenas): versatile, ideal for sea bream and sars.
- White or pink crab: softer, perfect for quick touches at the edge.
- Tourteau (Cancer pagurus): for large sizes, sea bass and olds.
- Blue crab (Callinectes sapidus): in the Mediterranean, selective on paddlefish.
Assembly and field tips
Hooks 2/0 to 6/0, solid trebles, fluorocarbon leaders 30-40/100, skewer the crab via the thorax for optimum hold, or in pieces to filter out pests. Favour tide changes, nights and strong coefficients. The crab excels because it selects the various combative sparids.
In short, crab opens the doors to a kingdom: Vendée surfcasting for sea bream, Normandy sars, Landes sea bass or Corsican paddlefish. A bait to rediscover for those who want something heavy, technical and natural.
