I have crabs.....
 

No, on the river bottom. I have gone to a bluefish rig to keep bait off the bottom. A float on the same line as the hook, with a weight coming off a three way rig. Is there some bait that is crab proof, or another rig to keep the bait up off the bottom?

Ok ,I will divulge a secret . When using squid , a little bit of bubble wrap inside the body tube will float it .

Excellent idea. Thanks

A small piece of styrofoam also works inside the squid.