I haven't used live craws in a long time, but I would say two dozen should be a decent number, maybe 3 to be on the safe side. You don't wanna go out and run through 2 dozen and catch a bunch of fish and then run out....I usually keep them in a styrofoam box with damp sphagnum moss, this will keep them alive a looong time as long as you keep them cool...don't let them get hot in the sun.