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© St. Petersburg Times, published September 10, 2002
Pompano can't resist them. Neither can a red drum or speckled trout. Not even finicky snook can pass on a mole crab. It is better known as a sand flea and is one of the best baits going.
Sand fleas burrow along white, sandy beaches where development is scarce. They're usually just under the sand where waves crash on the beach.
Comb the beach in the early morning and look for the white ibis. These shore birds with long orange bills are a dead giveaway. Once a flock is located, look where the birds are for signs such as dead fleas, or old carapaces.
Sand flea rakes are available at better tackle stores. It's just as easy to use a trowel and small mesh bait net. Fill the net with sand and sift out the sand in the surf, leaving behind just the tiny morsels.
Since the biggest fleas will be about an inch in diameter, light tackle with small No. 2 or No. 4 hooks are best. Place the hook in the corner of the carapace. Depending on the size of the crab, either freeline it or pinch a small weight a few inches above the hook for easier casting.
Cast your offering in the narrow swash channel paralleling the beach early or at sunset. That's when fish are on the prowl.
-- Capt. Rick Frazier runs Lucky Dawg Charters out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 510-4376 or by e-mail at captrick@luckydawg.com.