Horseshoe Crabs?????

[striblue]

We know there are plenty around .... and just walking the beach one sees the husks of tiny horseshoe crabs... Checked the bait books and can not find any reference to the fact that these are or even could be a food source for stripers.... Does anybody have a bead on this...or any thoughts...or any reference where it is indicated that they are or even might be such a food source. Thanks again for any leads. I heard on a Florida board that Red Fish might feed on them.

[mizt]

I propose we merge florida sportsman forums and reel-time forums!

[PeteV]

I can't recall seeing stripers munching on horshoe crabs. as a kid I use to watch tons of eels working over dead Horseshoe crabs in a tidal stram I use to hang out at. But stripers seem to eat everything so I'd figure they'd also eat little horshoe crabs.

Now that I'm thinking about it, I can't recall ever seeing a baby Horshoe crab ...I've seen tons of big ones but never the little ones.

[peterjay]

I used to see some pretty small horseshoes in the RI salt ponds back during my skindiving days, but I can't recall ever seeing anything munching on a live one. I think the fact that these critters have been around for 200 million years (or whatever it is) would indicate that they're a pretty tough meal to swallow. Maybe bass do eat them, but I can't help but think that the average angler would fall asleep from boredom during the retrieve.

[striblue]

Thanks Guys..That was my thought also...I have only seen little hulks from the shedding process.. I think If I tried them it would be on a highly visible flat where I would cast well in front of a moving school...let the fly settle ... and just leave it there... not sure I would even strip... so it would not be for blind casting.