Softies

[IR Crabber]

I've been crabbing for a few years now and have for the most part finially figured out different depths, water temp, running the line, and understanding how tide, weather, sunlight, and wind effect how to set up.  I am now interested in starting to shed out the peelers.  I have talked to some old watermen in my area and also a guy from Chincoteague who sells seafood around the corner from me out of the back of his truck.

They have talked about identifying pre shed softies by looking at the back swimmer fin.  Does anyone have any pictures of what a peeler looks like in the "white", "pink", "red", and "rank" stage?  I certainly understand that a doubler is a jimmy with a peeler, but I am sure I have steamed many a "red hot" or "buster" crab over the past few years because I am unsure how to identify them.

I plan on only shedding out enough to eat.  It may sound stupid, but I have this idea of using a hard plastic kiddie pool from WalMart and an old aireator from my Grady I sold as a shed tank. 

Any help is greatly appreciated.  Going back out for the first time in a few days. 

IR

[wildturkey101]

Here's a good place to look up some good info and see some pictures 

http://www.bluecrab.info/molting.html

[dfran]

RD runs a good size shedding operation. If you sent him a bmail he may be able to answer some of your technical questions.

[jason22]

Check out Bruce's post in Dockside Talk.  Lots of Good pics for you to get an idea-

http://www.bluecrab.info/forum/index.php/topic,31510.msg279043.html#msg279043