Fast flow
Currents help to disperse the smell of bait that attracts crabs into a pot therefore main flow area usually are good for placing the pots. However, strong current may sweep away the pot or lifting it from the floor if the other end of hauling rope is secured to a tree or rock on land. Both of these situations will render the pot ineffective.

One of the ways to overcome this is to place the pot away from the main flow area during the initial phase of fast flowing incoming tides. This is especially so for spring tides. Once the upper reaches of the creeks are filled the flow becomes less torrent and the pot can be moved back to the preferred spot.

Mangrove lined and undercut banks
It is always ideal to place pots along mangrove-lined creeks, which are favorite habitats of mud crabs. Undercut banks below mangrove trees are also places where mud crabs can be found.

Creek intersections
Creek intersections are like meeting points for crabs coming from different directions. The eddy currents found at the junction also helps to disperse the smell of the bait thus attracting more crabs to the spot.

Crab Burrows
Crab burrows on the banks of creeks indicate the presence resident crabs in the area. In particular, a large burrow with freshly deposited mud at the entrance very likely means a crab is at home. When the rising tide reaches the burrow, the crab will leave to hunt for food and it can be invited to feast in your pot if it is placed in the vicinity.