Sambo
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« on: April 19, 2012, 01:18:40 PM » |
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I've never handlined before but am tired of my traps (and their contents) disappearing on me so I thought I'd give it a try. Sounds like a good way to land a dozen or so in a short period. Should I just anchor up in a creek and try my luck or are there things I should look for in choosing a spot? What's the ideal depth? Thanks in advance for any information you can give.
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Grizzly36
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« Reply #1 on: April 19, 2012, 02:30:59 PM » |
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Why are your traps disappearing? Are you crabbing in strong current? Maybe add a little weight to keep them still or add longer lines?
I've not handlined muched from a boat and i'm sure theres a science to find a good spot but its probabaly not any different than using traps or trotline.
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Sambo
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« Reply #2 on: April 19, 2012, 03:11:04 PM » |
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I suspect they're being stolen. I'm on the Gulf Coast where the tides don't pull too hard and I tied rebars to the bottom of the traps to keep them in place. I suspect it's probably kids since most adults know raiding traps can be dangerous.
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Crabcruncher
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« Reply #3 on: April 19, 2012, 08:01:11 PM » |
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Confuscious say
Check out gulf coast reports
Your answer lies there
Just say no to crab trap thieves
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Say brother....can you spare a crab...
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Grizzly36
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« Reply #4 on: April 20, 2012, 07:53:06 AM » |
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Thats probably it. I thought maybe it was Around our parts we call the ones we leave unattended pots. Try using what we call traps if your laws allow. They have doors that open and close when when set or pulled in. Will let you cover more area from the boat than handlines will. Most of the guys around the Midatlantic area use these with great success.
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crabbywaters
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« Reply #5 on: April 20, 2012, 09:02:38 AM » |
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Man try out some handlines.. Its so much fun. Just find a nice crabby spot in about 4 feet of water. Anchor off the front and the back and put out a bunch of handlines. Make sure they reach the bottom. When you see the line pull out, you have a crab. Pull the line nice and slow and net the crab. It may take some practice but it a blast.
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I wish i was a crab.
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Sambo
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« Reply #6 on: April 20, 2012, 11:04:14 AM » |
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Thanks, crabbywaters. I'll try it out tomorrow.
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k23john
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« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2012, 05:29:27 PM » |
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One thing that We do when we go with hand lines is at the one foot mark from you're bait We tie one knot and at two foot We tie two knots so this way We know how far away the bait is. Hand lines are fun to use especially if you have children. We look for a small channel to anchor up in out of the way of other boaters and this way you're not in their wake. Have fun and be safe /JOHN
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Grizzly36
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« Reply #8 on: April 23, 2012, 08:37:13 AM » |
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Man those knots are a pretty good idea.
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Dreampixels
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« Reply #9 on: April 23, 2012, 11:36:35 AM » |
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Put enough knots in the line with even 1 foot spacing and you will have a Bedrock Depth Finder.  |
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There are no passengers on spaceship earth. We are all crew. Marshall McLuhan
"Because I walk only in my shoes I enjoy Controversy. It allows me to view the minds and souls of others." Dreampixels
Extremist think "Communication" means agreeing with them. Leo Rosten
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KALknowsRAE
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« Reply #10 on: April 23, 2012, 05:15:10 PM » |
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Hand lines are fun to use especially if you have children.
You're using children as bait?!? What are tryin' to catch? Michael Jackson?  |
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Blueclaws ripped my flesh.
Rzzzzzz.
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flounderpounder
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« Reply #11 on: April 23, 2012, 07:22:36 PM » |
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the depth at where the crabs are is the best .... I anchor up and put lines out all around the boat....if its REALLY calm you can drift and handline....most I have ever caught before legal time is 8 keepers...sometimes none...which is why I dont handline anymore...lol |
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" I CAN SKIN A BUCK, I CAN RUN A TROT LINE A PA BOY CAN SURVIVE" "YOU CAN LOVE ME OR HATE ME, BUT WHEN YOU HATE ME, YOU LOVE TO HATE ME " |
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Hardhed
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« Reply #12 on: April 24, 2012, 06:40:22 PM » |
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I'd anchor off the bow and stern, otherwise the boat zig-zagging at anchor might spook them.
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Dreampixels
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« Reply #13 on: April 24, 2012, 11:31:31 PM » |
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I'd anchor off the bow and stern, otherwise the boat zig-zagging at anchor might spook them.
Be very careful with the stern anchor - you want smooth water to do this - that includes boat made wakes. |
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There are no passengers on spaceship earth. We are all crew. Marshall McLuhan
"Because I walk only in my shoes I enjoy Controversy. It allows me to view the minds and souls of others." Dreampixels
Extremist think "Communication" means agreeing with them. Leo Rosten
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Hardhed
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« Reply #14 on: April 25, 2012, 02:04:38 PM » |
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True enough
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