sandfleas!!!

[medicdav66]

Will sandfleas still be around at the end of October? and where is the best place on Portsmouth Island to find them? I think I have the fresh shrimp issue covered, but I'm not sure about the little crabs that are referred to as sandfleas! I'm not gonna spend $30 on one of those rake-things if there aren't gonna be any around anyway!

[racewire20]

Medicdav, Hope you don't mind me answering all your bait questions, but no one else seems to be chiming in. Mole crabs, other wise know as sand fleas are the little gray, over sized rolly polly looking citters that you dug up when building sand castles as a kid. You'll notice v shape impressions in the sand behind a retreating wave, or sometimes lumps in the sand.
I don't own a rake or scoop, all I do is use my feet while fishing. I just work my toes down in and lift up the sand. I'll do this all day as I fish. Other wise If you see the tale-tale signs just dig with your hands.
Have a bucket with damp sand, no water, because they will drown, and just keep them in a cool place out of direct sun light. They will last quit a while.

To answer your question, they should still be there when you are down, as long
as it's not too cold.

PS; I accept the offer of a cold one.:beer:

[SmoothLures]

You don't have to buy a rake. You can make your own or use a colander or something similar. 1/4" or so holes should be good.

[Danman]

IF you can spot sandfleas easy (from experience) you don't need a flea rake..

I bought one last year when I couldn't spot the fleas and the rake really saved my back from constant bending with a minnow trap.

Once you can spot fleas with ease you can buy a 2 ft plastic toy shovel and when you see the indentations in the surf you can use your feet or shovel..

When the fishing is slow I use the rake to look for shark teeth , shells, etc..and when the small waves break at the shoreline I have caught small fish and crabs in the surf...oh yeah and the sandfleas riding the surf to the shore..:fishing:

[sparky27]

a plastic pooper scooper works great for the little buggers.

[SALTSHAKER]

Also heard to use half of a minnow trap, works the same.... with two halves you can let the little lady help you get bait, you know, togetherness.....

[eric]

just head down to the wash, you can usually pick them up with your hands the water goes out.

well.. i know i can do that here in nyc,

[Charlie2]

I use fake sandfleas when live ones are unavailable. I have compared catches using either with almost equal results.C2

[SALTSHAKER]

ooeric, up in the city they must be coming up for air...LOL... only kidding...