Do Creek Bass like Big Craws?

By Ian

  I often see people throwing big, 4" craws in creeks. The dead stick it, they finesse it through, but they still catch little or no bass. Why?

   I find creek bass to be shy to big craws. Remember, crawfish aren't exactly a dead or dying shad. They have their claws up in a defensive position, ready to tussle and pinch with an incoming bass.  Also, they might get scared by the sound of a large bullet weight or jighead hitting the water, being creek fish. As much as bass like 'em, you have to realize that craws have to be smaller for creeks, also because creek bass tend to be smallmouths, not largemouths. If you flip over rocks and examine the crawfish, you will actually find creek craws to be on the smaller side, but like those massive red Louisiana bayou craws.  

  Above: Creek bass are more apt to choose the smaller craw, on the right. However, the big one will catch bigger fish.

In creeks, 2"-3" size craws are sufficient. It seems the smaller you get in that range, the more bites you get, and those bites aren't even small bites. Shown above is a large craw, and a small craw commonly used by local bass fisherman in HoCo for creek fishing.

Tight Lines,

​Ian