Crab Bait

So, as I'm playing bachelor this weekend, I was thinking I'd go fishing on Saturday and then use the carcs from the fish I'll hopefully catch as crab bait on Sunday since the 1st is the opener for crab in Sound.

What fish would be the best to target for crab bait?  Ling cod is closed in the Sound, but I can still try for greenling and cabezon.  Or should I hit a lake for some perch/crappie?

Hit a Safeway for the $.99/lb turkey legs

I use chicken or turkey legs...not a top secret bait...everytime i've used fish, i've had issues with seals...and the chicken/turkey last all day...

Chicken and turkey legs are planned.  I was hoping though to recycle some fish too.  Gives me a better excuse too for avoiding some yard work.

I used "clam guts" (everything left after cleaning clams) a couple times... basically gotta use a open knit cloth so the crabbies can get at it...that worked really good...
As far as fish carcass is concerned, I really don't think the crab care...those little buggers will eat anything .... and I mean anything ... eww (seen the proof) 

As far as fish carcass is concerned, I really don't think the crab care...those little buggers will eat anything .... and I mean anything ... eww (seen the proof) 

but they still taste soooo good!  I use cheap chicken or turkey, debone if necessary so that it goes into the bait bag better.  The clam guts is a good idea. 

Never used bottom fish, but salmon heads, spines and fin scraps work very well. Maybe your local market will sell you some cheap fish heads from their scraps.

I keep my salmon heads and carcasses in the freezer for this. Rainbow trout heads and carcasses work fantastically well too. I usually throw a pack of chicken livers in there too.

I use the trout carcasses, along with other fish carcasses.  I also mix in old bait like herring and squid.  The cheap chicken and turkey legs work well.  Once I zip-tied a dead duck to a ring that was floating though my spread of rings.

Shad hands down. I keep my salmon & tuna heads too.

Would not suggest using Cabezon for crab bait. Crab seem to know that Cabs regularly eat crab and will avoid your traps.

Once I zip-tied a dead duck to a ring that was floating though my spread of rings.

Heh how did the crabs like duck?

Anyone in the Seattle area that wants crab bait let me know. I have unlimited access to some really prime crab bait! Salmon works really well due to the high oil content. If you want frames and heads let me know and I'll bring some home from work.
If you want a full tote (~1000 lbs) please supply your own tote and be ready to pick it up at the end of the day.
Your choice Sockeye, Chum, or Atlantics ... your choice.

Oh ya this offer only applies if you are a decent guy and if you have to ask yourself if you are ... then you aren't. That is all ....

Once I zip-tied a dead duck to a ring that was floating though my spread of rings.

Heh how did the crabs like duck?

They seemed to be just as happy going in that ring as the others.  I'm sure they eat a few dead ducks out there in the bays.   I ran out of bait so I winged it (pun intended).

Frozen chicken or turkey legs, whatever is cheapest.  I had a GREAT idea once and tried canned cat food, poking holes in the top of the can and dropping it in the trap.  Worked okay, was handy, no need for a bait cage or envelope, but then you have a leaky, stinky can you have to bring back - YUCK.