Surf/Pier sharking

[jswbiscuit]

I'm sure this is going to go down in the books as a genuine stupid question but keep in mind I am fairly new to shark fishing from the surf and/or pier.
How do you guys keep your baits from getting destroyed by crabs? I know that when we bottom fish for reds it's all we can do to keep the crabs from eating everything we throw out.
Also, how big are the baits that you guys use?

[Finger_Mullet]

Crabs will eat your bait reguardless. That is just part of it. Change your bait often. You can float a bait and the crabs should leave you alone.

We use several sizes of bait. Fish heads (flounder, grouper, spot, whiting, etc....)
We also use whole fish, whiting, spanish mack, croaker, whatever you can find.

The larger baits require a yak to send the bait out. For casted baits I use small fish heads or maybe a fillet of croaker. Something small enough to cast but big enough to draw the interest of the shark.

Darin

[Surf_Pier_Guy]

Use the biggest bait that your reel/pole can cast. I use chunk baits by cutting a Croaker/Spot in half. Filleting it will attract crabs. I user a 10/0 Octopus and it works great for hooking those chunk baits...make sure you hook around the bone using it to hold the hook to the bait. This way you can cast hard and not lose the bait....

Gook Luck

[ffemtreed]

I love using HUGE bunker heads for bait. They stay on the hook well and you can LAUNCH them casting. They do tend to last longer than chunked bait as well.

If Yakking, TUNA belly and huge Tuna chunks are great shark bait that seem to last on the hooks I am told. I never personally used the tuna myself however I learned that from some VERY knowledgeable people.

[Hopper]

I have never tried it but a buddy of mine swears by wrapping his bait with panty hose. Apparently it does not stop them but slows them down.

[Hardhead]

I have separated guaze pads and wrapped the bait in it.