SAND FLEA SECRETS, How to Catch, Store, and Rig this Awesome FREE Surf Fishing Bait

Video explaining how to catch, store, and use Sand Fleas aka Sand Crabs, Mole Crabs for bait in the surf. Catch your own FREE bait. Detailed explanation of gear and techniques.

[@lombardfortsoniii8124]

Thank you for this video. Explained a lot.

[@freddysflyz]

I went nuts trying to find "this video" a second time to **THANK YOU** for the minnow trap idea for catching sand fleas. It totally rocks!! I never fished with them before and this past week, caught my first ever striper (ended up catching a total of 9 of them in two days fishing; one bigger whiting too). It was so awesome! The Walmart in the area we vacationed had a couple miniw trap left and it was the easiest way to catch the sand fleas as I needed them. Appreciate the video - THANKS again and all the best - Freddy

[@MudSharkZ]

That's awesome you caught all those Stripers, great job! Glad the video helped you out. Tight lines.

[@GamelanSinarSurya]

Great tips. Thank you.

[@gartmanxxx]

Thanks for the tips. Great vid btw.

[@andyramos9542]

Good information. Thank you.

[@808Mark]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@CHENNAIANGLERS]

Wonderful to watch and learn 👏👏

[@Danaridenour1966]

Great video. Thanks!

[@justletmetravel]

Great video here in Mexico beach for a couple weeks gonna give this a try......also a new sub for ya

[@regularsoutherndad1637]

I have been catching sand fleas for over 20 years on the gulf and Atlantic coast and I did not realize that they are closer to the surface at night! Great tip! Be going after pompano on Mother’s Day weekend.

[@MudSharkZ]

I'm jealous, pompano are one of my favorite fish to catch in the surf, but I only get a crack at them on rare occasions at the Jersey Shore. The Gulf is where it's at. Tight lines!

[@regularsoutherndad1637]

@@MudSharkZ - it’s a 7 hour drive for you but rent you a place down at the outer banks in June over a long weekend. You can slam the donkey whiting (kingfish) and catch decent pompano. We used to stay at Durant Station in Haterras, NC. You’ll be glad you went!

[@kennethhlavik8155]

Thanks for the info

[@nateroo]

good vid, good info. i have a sand flea rake but i sometimes don't feel like luggin' it so i also use cat litter scoops... cheap and easy to carry. thanx for sharing info!

[@MudSharkZ]

Love the idea of the cat litter scoop, cheap and portable. Thanks for watching 👍

[@AlphaOmega1025]

This is a great idea

[@bruceturek3412]

great video

[@edwardk8321]

A food colander works great too. MY Kids Love catching them

[@ricardoluna5338]

Best video ever

[@BryTunesMusic]

Great vid thanks

[@vincentkinloch9258]

Awesome video 👍 my brother ... Thank you for the lesson

[@John-yt5zr]

Cool video, been using sand fleas to catch snook and sheep’s head around Venice Florida

[@MudSharkZ]

Cool, you probably have pompano down there too right? Pompano love sand fleas.

[@John-yt5zr]

@@MudSharkZ yeah and the bite is on now, fishing tonight

[@talanfabregas7514]

Good video

[@waverider7710]

Great video. Thanks. It's been my experience that fish bite the soft shell sand flea better. The hard shell sand crabs are gray and have a hard shell and the soft shell sand crab are a little smaller with a shell that is soft and they are lighter in color with legs almost clear in color.

[@fernandonogueira7771]

Thank you for the video!where in NJ

[@MudSharkZ]

Glad you enjoyed it, Ocean City, NJ

[@bhazlett13]

Been fishing Jersey beaches (many IBSP) for over 20 years and never once popped a sand flea on my hook. Definitely gonna give this a try next time I'm out with the old man!

[@MudSharkZ]

The kingfish love the smaller ones, and, if you're lucky enough to be around when the pompano show up, they love the bigger ones. Oh, and the little sandsharks love em all 😁 Free is good! Especially when bloodworms are a buck a piece! Tight lines 👍

[@bhazlett13]

@@MudSharkZ great to know, man, thank you! Love me some king fish! Usually we're on the beach for striper and occasionally blues for catch and release. Boat in the bay for fluke when it's running lol. My dad's been taking me to IBSP since I was maybe 12, so 21ish years of fishing there. It feels like home away from home

[@josephaguon703]

Thanks for the info...👍😉

[@carechaverri3875]

Gracias por compartir tanto trabajo y experiencia. Vivo en costa Rica c.a y la carnada viva es muy cara y difícil de encontrar. Con esta técnica tengo carnada gratis y buena,Gracias.

[@sirfantyvr300]

Muy bueno estoy feliz por te.

[@private2371]

Usds se los tienen allí tambien!?

[@avocado9763]

Thanks.

[@buggus5190]

I can’t wait to freak my husband out the next time we’re at the beach 🤣

[@jonnykauay1763]

very good friend your 👍🏻🎣🦈🐠 videos can tell me on which beach I can pick up sea fleas!

[@MudSharkZ]

Anywhere on the Jersey Shore, they're everywhere.

[@fishinglife5464]

#kayakandsurffishing 👍👍

[@iimma1955]

Are you fishing in sw fla? Any suggestions for where in Port Charlotte Fl to surf fish for Pompano?

[@MudSharkZ]

This video was actually filmed in New Jersey, there are a few Pompano there late in the summer, but that is about as far north as they go. SW Florida should be a great spot to fish for them but I am not familiar with the area. Maybe another subscriber will chime in.

[@mikeb9740]

Hey man - dont the sand fleas just dig back into the bottom /sand once casted out?

[@MudSharkZ]

Not with the hi-lo rig I'm fishing. The hooks and the rig keep them a little off the bottom.

[@ZEROOOOOOOOOOOOOOO00]

Would it kill you to release your unwanted catches out a bit further.......like in knee deep water? Just wondering. Anyways, thanks for tips.

[@randogzzs4905]

Question: can i freeze them and use them as bait like frozen calameri?

[@MudSharkZ]

Yes you can, but fresh work much better in my experience. I think most people boil or steam them before freezing.

[@randogzzs4905]

@@MudSharkZ ok thanks

[@filipe6953]

are all beaches the same around here as far as producing big fleas?

[@MudSharkZ]

I've always found big fleas on the Jersey coast. The big ones have been tougher to find at times for me in Florida, tons of small ones there. Could just be a seasonal thing though.

[@filipe6953]

@@MudSharkZ Ok thanks, bigger ones in Sandy, LBI, Cape?

[@MudSharkZ]

@@filipe6953 Yeah LBI and OC

[@TROU-ss4dh]

I'll have to give this a try a post the results.

[@MudSharkZ]

Please do, I'd love to hear how you make out.

[@TROU-ss4dh]

@@MudSharkZ will do. Just subscribed to your channel.

[@coryobrien8879]

You can also batter and deep fry them. They’re absolutely delicious.

[@MudSharkZ]

I'll have to try that some time. I love me some shellfish.

[@pjr324]

Can you freeze them for later?

[@MudSharkZ]

Yes, you can, but the frozen ones don't work nearly as good as fresh in my experience. They are commonly sold in ocean side baitshops on the east coast.

[@fallguy4209]

Are these the fleas that leave itchy bites

[@MudSharkZ]

No, those are something different entirely. These guys are harmless.

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Do you use circle hooks

[@MudSharkZ]

Not typically, I prefer Berkley "Slickset" octopus style hooks for my surf high low rigs.

[@andydierickx4346]

Are these the critters that we find in Trevally? 🇦🇺

[@MudSharkZ]

Most likely, they are found all over the world, and many nearshore fish species feed on them.

[@andydierickx4346]

@@MudSharkZ thanks mate..every trevally I've ever caught has them living in their mouth. Next time I will keep them for bait!

[@MudSharkZ]

@@andydierickx4346 Out of curiosity I did some research. What you're finding is a crustacean mouth parasite commonly called "doctors". Apparently they are fairly common in Trevally. They are not the same as sand fleas. I learned something today 👍

[@andydierickx4346]

@@MudSharkZ maaate! That's awesome thank you very much 😊

[@andydierickx4346]

@@MudSharkZ did a search...and got Zoidberg from Futurama 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kevindurantsburneraccount4659]

My problem is throwing them off during a cast, anything to prevent that?

[@MudSharkZ]

I hook them in the head end from the bottom up right through the top of their shell. A good sharp hook helps. All my surf rigs are tied with the Slick Set hooks I show at the beginning of my Porgie video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6nUinabrsh2f68

[@kevindurantsburneraccount4659]

Slack High Sportfishing ok thanks.

[@Gypsyboy932]

Slack High Sportfishing Warner Music Group blocked your Porgie Video. What are Slick Set hooks? Thanks. Also which end is the head of the Sand Flea?

[@MudSharkZ]

@@Gypsyboy932 Thats a bummer, I just use stock music. Anyway the head is the pointier end. Good luck, catch em up.

[@MudSharkZ]

@@Gypsyboy932 The hooks are the Berkley Slick Set Fusion hooks size 2. They are great hooks.

[@joanmorris4052]

Can I catch 🦐 shrimp on the shoreline like how u catching Sand flees

[@MudSharkZ]

In some areas you can get shrimp from shore but it's a different process and shrimp are only around at certain times of the year. I have a friend that catches shrimp in the tidal back water near Jacksonville , FL. I'm pretty sure he does it at night with lanterns and nets.

[@joanmorris4052]

@@MudSharkZ ok I have no access to a 🚗 so night is hard for me

[@abnertv1914]

Can we catch it here in New York area?

[@MudSharkZ]

New Jersey beaches are loaded with them, so I'm assuming Long Island is too, but I'm not sure. Maybe another viewer can let us know for sure???

[@EddyGordo21]

Yes they are everywhere in li

[@eliseonunez8757]

Is there any sand fleas in any beach in southern California

[@MudSharkZ]

Not sure, never fished in Cali. Hopefully another viewer will answer your question.

[@MudSharkZ]

Google says they should be there.

[@marklee6328]

Yes. Plenty. Giant ones on Santa Cruz Island.

[@brianyoung2268]

Yes at every beach and in Cali we call them sand crabs😄

[@eliseonunez8757]

@@brianyoung2268 Cool but every beach I've gone to I can't seem to find them. I like going to Newport Beach mainly

[@Johnnyreengo]

Idk about everywhere else but in the Carolinas you don’t need any tools there are millions within hands reach.

[@darpalal2929]

Can sand fleas be caught year round? Thanks

[@MudSharkZ]

Yes, I've caught them in the winter as well so I think they're always around.

[@darpalal2929]

Ok thanks. I’m heading to Florida in March. Haven’t tried sand fleas yet. Just shrimp.

[@MudSharkZ]

@@darpalal2929 I've caught Whiting and Pompano on fleasdown there in the surf. Good luck to you 👍

[@Slobfishn]

If you can afford $25 to they have rakes at Academy sports

[@panchovillarider2734]

What size sinker do you typically use? I understand that if its rougher u have to use larger, but typically.

[@MudSharkZ]

Typically I use a 4 oz. pyramid unless it's really rough, then I'll go with a 4 or 5 oz. sputnik.

[@taco472]

2 oz. silver dollar style, or 3 if it is really rough. Here on the sw Washington coast it’s hard to find an area that doesn’t have rips and cross braking waves and the 2 still works for me.

[@suzuki400sm]

Is there a limit on sand fleas

[@MudSharkZ]

Not that I have ever seen or know of. At least not in Florida or New Jersey where I've used them. They are often sold frozen by the dozens in ocean side bait shops, but the frozen one's don't work as good as fresh.

[@suzuki400sm]

Slack High Sportfishing ok thanks I live in Florida and I fish at NSB Never thought about using them.

[@MudSharkZ]

Almost everything in the surf eats them, and they're FREE if you can catch them. Good luck!

[@erricevans4870]

I’ve never seen mole crabs,here on the gulf coast,here in Mississippi.

[@MudSharkZ]

Never fished the gulf coast myself, but I would think they are there somewhere. Maybe another viewer will chime in.

[@Mmmmmmmmmmdamgoodmix]

They are tasty too.

[@THEGamer-be2dd]

I never thought of eating them, what do they taste like?

[@huihonu]

We called them sand turtles in hawaii

[@haroldmcbroom7807]

That critters kinda cute, do they bite?

[@MudSharkZ]

No, they don't bite. I think they're cute too.

[@franciscoalfarocastillo3758]

when i was a kid, like 30 years ago, here in Sinaloa coast in Mexico used to be a lot of sand fleas, now i search and nothing, have so many years whitout see any one. some one knows why they disappeared?

[@danielpritchard510]

Unsure but that's a bad sign friend

[@WD-ti5cn]

Bacon double cheeseburger lmao!

[@timsullivan7004]

Where we fish in Delaware, Whiting are known as kingfish.....believe they are the same.

[@MudSharkZ]

From the other comments I've gotten, it seems that the common names can be different or interchangeable depending on where you live up and down the coast. Either way, they are tasty 👍

[@JamesJones-cx5pk]

I bought a 2 dollar plastic scoop and drilled holes all through it. I can catch 10 fleas at a time.

[@Emz1496]

Sand flea make great bait for California surf pearch

[@MudSharkZ]

Cool, I'd love to come out there and fish some day. Thanks for watching 👊

[@stagger204]

Are sand fleas in the surf all year long?

[@MudSharkZ]

I have found them Spring through Fall, but I honestly don't know about the coldest months, maybe someone else can chime in.

[@stagger204]

@@MudSharkZ thank you!

[@rchirinosmd]

@@MudSharkZ Yes, they're here in Brevard County which includes Cocoa Beach and Melbourne Beach, FL

[@sgtz113ang]

good flea 101 young man ! now i dont need fishbites .yay

[@TimsSchoolOfFish]

Awesome job! Keep up the great work👊🏻😎 Sand Fleas are the Pompano slayer!! New subscriber here...share some love for a fellow fish friend😁

[@MudSharkZ]

Thx much, subscribed to you as well. Love me some Pompano, wish they were more prevalent up north where I usually fish.

[@TimsSchoolOfFish]

Slack High Sportfishing You’re welcome and thank you! They’re great fighters and good eaters too! I’m lucky to be on the Gulf Coast of Florida and we catch them for several months out of the year.

[@hallboy77]

Wait…you catch sand fleas in NJ?

[@MudSharkZ]

Yeah, there's tons of them there.

[@gabosololopez1518]

Help anyone but can I feed my mollies to sand fleas?

[@MudSharkZ]

I think there might be a translation issue here, are you talking about feeding sand fleas to your pet fish?

[@Brad-mf5wl]

In Hawaii, they call them sand turtles.

[@taco472]

THERE IS A WAY TO KEEP THEM : Blanch them in boiling water until they just start to get some light pink on them, 2-3 mins. Then quick cool in ice water, then let dry and freeze a dozen or so each in zip-lock bags. Your welcome. 😎

[@JamesJones-cx5pk]

I'll try it.

[@Nicholasmazzei]

@@JamesJones-cx5pk did it work

[@Twistedstar0320]

I'd like to see a video where someone goes out to the beach with no bait. Catching sand fleas for bait, then using the fish they catch as bait and just keep using the next fish as bait and see how big a fish they can catch by the end using nothing but starting with a and flea.

[@MudSharkZ]

That's a great idea, maybe I'll try that in Jersey this year.

[@Twistedstar0320]

@@MudSharkZ very cool. Looking forward to it.

[@mikealtieri3616]

I've seen some KZbin videos of people doing the "food chain challenge" like you said, its pretty cool! I saw one off a boat though, he started off with a Sabiki rig and ended with a Goliath Grouper

[@vincentconnolly3684]

🖤💙🙏👍

[@ginomiguel4809]

We dont have it in my country, Mauritius Island

[@MudSharkZ]

Ahhh, that's too bad. They are great bait. It sounds like you have a beautiful place to fish though 👍

[@kevintemido]

I used to catch these when we I was a kid. Some people eat them

[@chapinharrington3123]

I’m convinced people eat everything

[@jeffreybabino8161]

I never have been that hungry

[@MudSharkZ]

I'm not eating them, the fish are. I've seen those videos of people eating them and I don't think I could do it.

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Lol

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Yes video was helpful thanks 😊

[@Drewdown2002]

My channel is new to KZbin, 71 year old disabled male with a mobility scooter to get me to my fishing spots, I live in Mobile Alabama, and I'm getting my life back on after cancer and 2 heart attacks!👍❤

[@MudSharkZ]

Awesome, keep up the good work. I'll check your channel out.

[@davisroseee309]

Sand fleas here which is kinda stupid cause there are real sand fleas that bite... Any way i use hands and a HUGE inespensive net

[@XOXO-mb2vh]

When they scratch on my hand or feet it freaks me out.

[@MudSharkZ]

They are exfoliating you for free 👍

[@greamegustave]

They aren't found in Guyana , wish they were

[@MudSharkZ]

Ah bummer... Is there good surf fishing there?

[@greamegustave]

@@MudSharkZ Not really, our coast is muddy, because of all the silth that comes from the Amazon. What you get a lot of is different salt water catfish , rays , skeet, shrimp prawns , croakers and corvinas

[@MudSharkZ]

@@greamegustave Maybe I will get to fish there one day 👍

[@greamegustave]

@@MudSharkZ Keep in contact, we have great jungle fishing here too. Species such as arowana, redtail catfish, black piranha , bicuda, lau lau, peacock bass etc.

[@pngproductions8529]

i just wanna love em..they are cute ugly