We know there are plenty around .... and just walking the beach one sees the husks of tiny horseshoe crabs... Checked the bait books and can not find any reference to the fact that these are or even could be a food source for stripers.... Does anybody have a bead on this...or any thoughts...or any reference where it is indicated that they are or even might be such a food source. Thanks again for any leads.---- I read on a Florida board that someone heard that Red fish feed on Horseshoe crabs.
John,
You have that brain really working overtime lately. I wouldn't be surprised at anything anymore and would think that if given the chance a bass will eat just about anything. With the lack of available forage these days I'm sure that they probably eat the Horsies too. That would be a pretty good challenge to tie on the hook, can't wait to see your creation.
I discovered last year stripers do indeed eat Horseshoe crabs. Apparently July is when they are hatching and the stripers have been found to focus in on them at times almost exclusively. At least a few stripers were found through marine fisheries survey to have a belly full. Adrian found a nice site with great drawing and info at http://www.horseshoecrab.org.
I found a nice bag of dark brown chicken feathers with spots and other crablike color patterns in Walmart's craft department for a buck. Perhaps I'll remember to bring some to UFT to show you next meeting.
Guys... Thanks so much... I have to think they... the stripers... might grab the little ones.. it's funny that I have never seen Little ones..just the husks from the molting... but I will give a fly a try... and see what come out... Thanks again
The little ones I've seen are much lighter in color and more translucent than their older counterparts. They also don't seem to be attached to each other nearly as often....
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