May 5th- May 7th 2021- Topsail sound

saxon4646 · May 08, 2021, 06:38:18 AM

Well I have to post the BAD along with the good. Seems like this is the year for BAD. I only set 4 pots this trip after stinking so bad last week. I was not surprised at the results. I made 2 pulls approx 24 hours apart and had 7 crabs on each pull with just 7 keepers. Only other item in the pot was an oysterfish. Pulled them yesterday ( Friday ) and headed back home. Not sure what to attempt next but definitely need a change of plans. I am using a variety of fish that I get from the fish market so I know its fresh- I've used brim, crappie, catfish and all sorts of saltwater offshore fish with good results before but its sure not working this year. Last year was very slow and this one is looking much worse- at least for my area. Hope to be back next week- stay tuned.

tattoo · May 08, 2021, 07:49:48 AM

Thanks for the report hope it gets better for you soon

bgfishhook1 · May 08, 2021, 03:27:37 PM

Remember one thing SAXTON every day will be different some better
than others. Since the season is just getting started I wouldn't be too
concerned I am sure things are going to pick up for you . Don't blame
it on your bait if the crabs are not there the bait won't get touched
much some other factors are at play here. Try a little bit later or change
your location. Good luck to you when you do find them critters.

Here is hoping Full baskets and tight lines to you !

Bobby G AKA BGFISHHOOK1

saxon4646 · May 08, 2021, 06:16:46 PM

many thanks BIGFISH- one thing for sure- I won't give up.

bgfishhook1 · May 09, 2021, 12:32:45 AM

Quote from: saxon4646 on May 08, 2021, 06:16:46 PM
many thanks BIGFISH- one thing for sure- I won't give up.

I sure am glad to hear that you will not give up. I like to read your reports they are really KOOL !!!

BGFISHHOOK1

seabass · May 09, 2021, 12:02:57 PM

Things will pickup Sax, its early still. Glad to hear you not gonna give up. Look forward to reading your reports.

Greg

LKNGreg · May 14, 2021, 10:57:50 AM

Thanks for sharing. If anyone can figure it out you will Saxon.

Best,
Greg

saxon4646 · May 14, 2021, 08:44:15 PM

Trying to figure out where I can get gas enough to get back down there right now. The lines here are so long you burn 1/4 tank waiting. Sticking to the driveway this weekend- have 5 days off next week- hope to make it down Tuesday if the gas gods are willing

seabass · May 15, 2021, 12:31:24 PM

Sounds good, hope you do good.

Greg

rdbeard · May 18, 2021, 03:25:17 PM

saxon, see if you can find live razor clams in your area or any salt water clams that are alive ,and put them in the bait well of your pots. it's common for waterman to use them here when the water is cold. the clams will filter water and send a scent that blue crabs can't resist here in the ches bay.

mudminnow210 · May 22, 2021, 09:49:54 AM

Saxon, rdbeard is right. Does help especially with water starting to warm and things waking up.

saxon4646 · May 23, 2021, 09:12:06 AM

Thanks Rdbeard and mudminnow- I thought I have seen video's of the Northern crabbers using those. I don't think we have razor clams in NC though. I was thinking about putting some mussels in a couple pots and see if they worked. Not sure if I should crush them up or not. I did pull a few blanks so sending out a few trials surely won't hurt .

rdbeard · May 24, 2021, 12:36:45 PM

saxon any type of clam or mussels would work I think. when they filter water to feed the scent goes out . use them live.

saxon4646 · May 24, 2021, 06:48:57 PM

Many thanks- I'll give them a shot for sure and let you fella's know how they work out