Catching Redclaw

Reading some archived posts I found a lot of suggestions on the bait to use. One thing I found a bit alarming is the use of soap as bait - this should never be done as it promotes unwanted algae growth.

As campers we should be well aware of not washing or showering anywhere near freshwater streams or lagoons - so why use soap for Redclaw bait? Ok - so it is not attractive to crocs - but the very best bait for Redclaw is not attractive to crocs either.

And what is the VERY BEST bait for Redclaw? It is free - and it is laying around all over the place.

It is kangaroo and wallaby droppings. I have been using them for many many years, ever since I was shown by an old aborigine who was using them stuck inside some hollow branches which he had jammed some stones into one end then put a handfull of the droppings in and he was catching a good haul out of the water holes. He stuffed a handfull of grass in after the droppings to prevent them floating out, but in the little opera house pots the bait bag holds them fine.

Might not be as convenient as dry dog food but crocs and eels are not attracted and most times I can pick up enough on my morning walk to set the pots for several days and that gets me all the Redclaw the family can eat. Also work for Cherabin in the Mitchell and Byzant.

Also have used a lot of roadkill down around the Central Highlands and the Reds sure as heck fill the pots with a chunk of dead roo or whatever is laying on the road - early morning is the best time to pick up some fresh road kill though.

So please folks keep the soap out of the waterways and billabongs.