Thomas, i remove all the legs, the top shell then cut in half (assuming an average paddle crab). Deposit a hook preferably a Gamakatsu circle 4/0 or 5/0 into the crab via its back leg (Paddler) leg socket exiting out the meaty side of the bait. Plenty of bait tie. Ill leave enuff room/ space for the gap of my hook to be housed under my IMP pulley rig. Some nights theyll play with it, some theyll head for the horizon, and of course daytime aswell. Theyre so under rated as a surf caught species.