![<p>Capt. Bob Troxel has guided on Lake Erie since the 1990s. It's a profession he took up after a successful career as a tournament fisherman. Here, he poses with the preferred way to catch big numbers of fall smallies on the big lake, a soft craw.</p>](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dhj_5948_0.jpg)
![<p>Troxel's boat is a pristine 1977 Chris Craft, which is ideal for big parties and big waves. A pair of small-block Chevys provide motivation for the big rig.</p>](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dhj_5921.jpg)
![<p>A spacious cabin is ideal for relaxing in and nursing your bass thumb midday.</p>](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dhj_5926.jpg)
![<p>Troxel's net is never far from hand. He prefers Berkley rods and reels.</p>](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dhj_5928.jpg)
![<p>Here are the stars of the show, soft craws, sometimes called crabs in these parts. The craws are kept in water with a special chemical that makes them molt, making them soft. They're most often fished on drop shot rigs around rockpiles and other main lake structure.</p>](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dhj_5931.jpg)
![<p>Soft craws can be had by the dozen or 10 dozen as seen here. Get lots!</p>](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dhj_5936.jpg)
![<p>The action starts quickly when using soft craws.</p>](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dhj_5939.jpg)
![<p>Everyone handles the big water differently.</p>](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dhj_5938.jpg)
![<p>When you get a bite with a soft craw, often an entire school of smallies will move into the area, so it's important to keep lots of lines in the water to keep the action going.</p>](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dhj_5946.jpg)
![<p>Live bait; it ain't cheating!</p>](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dhj_5954_0.jpg)
![<p>Don't be surprised if you break off a time or two, zebra mussels are everywhere in Erie. They're razor-sharp.</p>](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dhj_5958.jpg)
![<p>Capt. Bob Troxel also guides for walleye and yellow perch, if you're looking to catch some table fare. He is well-respected among the lake's guides and has limited bookings, so it's best to reserve your trip well ahead of time. Website: <a href=](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dhj_5963.jpg)
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Erie anglers go on a live bait trip using 'soft craws' to lure big smallmouth bass.