clamming/crabbing near corsons 4/21

[hatmandoo]

           Clammed over by corsons with the kids dug up around 100 clams. We had a great day weather was fantastic! Crabbed a few times between OC & Avalon averaged 18 keepers each time out. Most were caught in a Maryland style crab pot. Although a few were caught on handlines with chicken thighs. DO NOT BUY THE PROMAR CRABPOT from Cabellas!! The netting is too small for our blueclaws here in Nj. Trust me I saw a full pot empty before I could get it out of the water!

[Crabbster]

I have had luck with those crab traps. Last year i averaged 5-10 per trap and crabs were between 5.5-6.5. I didn't have any problems at all. i am selling my two hotel ones to get more of those traps.

[Ronster]

Have to agree that the Promar traps aren't really made for blue crabs.

[MagnumTRex]

The only ProMar net that's good fro crabs in NJ is the Promar, 36" Stainless hoop net.   It has nearly a mile of cord and only weighs a couple hundred pounds when you pull it.   http://www.promarnets.com/promar/Products.aspx?Cat=8  I have a spare one available for sale,  better hurry before Ron beats you too it.

[Ronster]

You paying someone to take that thing, Tom?    It's like crabbing with a trashcan lid.

[Grizzly36]

What makes it so heavy?  Does it drag through the water(resistance).

[Ronster]

Yes.  It was also too easy for the crabs to cling to the corded sides...    and it took up too much room in the boat....   

[tedbo]

Jersey doesn't limit the size of ring traps, in md they can be a max dia of 30".  

There are pros and cons with them, as with anything, one pro is that you can pick up a flattie now and then in it.  But they can be cumbersome onboard, as Ron mentioned.  

The biggest issue is they do offer a lot more resistance when retrieving which can be an issue since ring traps need constant downward pressure of water to keep the crab from climbing up and out.

These are not for the faint of heart, and pulling all day can be a workout.

If you took the time to "see a full trap empty" then I suspect you were too slow in your pulling.  If you are working from a bridge or high pier, I can understand the issue, but you would have the same problems with any ring trap, you may need traditional box trap with a top.