More lobster questions
- Thread starter SC McCarty
- Start date
No problem with using galvanized hardware cloth. If you can make it so it can be opened and closed easily. I used the 1/4” square size in the past inside of the bait cages with ¾ square frames. It helped me save bait.
Then I realized that the tearing of the bait by the short lobsters, or the first comers to the net made for nice chumming.
I prefer to have lobsters at the end of the night than bait.
If you plan to stick with hoop netting, then I suggest using clips than zip-ties. More environmentally sound. Having put many of a zip-ties in trash cans left by uncaring anglers.
Then I realized that the tearing of the bait by the short lobsters, or the first comers to the net made for nice chumming.
I prefer to have lobsters at the end of the night than bait.
If you plan to stick with hoop netting, then I suggest using clips than zip-ties. More environmentally sound. Having put many of a zip-ties in trash cans left by uncaring anglers.
Here are what I use:
https://promarnets.com/product/bait-cage-snaps/
You can buy them separately or if you get their tube:
https://promarnets.com/product/seal-proof-bait-cage/
I mentioned before about possibility of bottom ring and attached bait cage sitting close to edge of top ring in the first generation (non-conical) hoop nets.
Two of these clips are used with a bait cage to be attached to the top ring. They keep the cage in the center of the large upper ring:
https://promarnets.com/product/stainless-line-snaps/
Ready made, but for 32" nets:
https://promarnets.com/product/bait-suspender/
Happy hunting.
https://promarnets.com/product/bait-cage-snaps/
You can buy them separately or if you get their tube:
https://promarnets.com/product/seal-proof-bait-cage/
I mentioned before about possibility of bottom ring and attached bait cage sitting close to edge of top ring in the first generation (non-conical) hoop nets.
Two of these clips are used with a bait cage to be attached to the top ring. They keep the cage in the center of the large upper ring:
https://promarnets.com/product/stainless-line-snaps/
Ready made, but for 32" nets:
https://promarnets.com/product/bait-suspender/
Happy hunting.
I am still confused, but I think I am getting it. I thought you went away from cages to allow early (short) arrivals to stir up chum. Instead I think you were saying that you no longer try to save bait using 1/4" mesh inserts inside a sturdier cage. From what you wrote in your previous post, there might be a problem with a cage made of 1/2" hardware cloth standing up to sea lions, but it would probably be wise to pull nets when they are around anyway.
Thank you for your patience,
Steve
Thank you for your patience,
Steve
Before I changed to homemade bait tubes, I made inserts with the 1/4" mesh to be placed inside of the 3/4" ready made bait boxes. You don't always see the "dogs" attacking the net. Thus, it is best to use bait cages and secure them, so it can handle the dogs. Nothing beats experimenting with new ideas though.
From worst to best----Bait pocket in the center of the net----hardware cloth cage---readymade wire cages----readymade or homemade tube cages. Some fishermen use storm drain PVC fittings to make bait cage.
One's imagination is the limit to what can be used.
From worst to best----Bait pocket in the center of the net----hardware cloth cage---readymade wire cages----readymade or homemade tube cages. Some fishermen use storm drain PVC fittings to make bait cage.
One's imagination is the limit to what can be used.
This is a better look at the cages i use & how they are attached to the cage. The clips are from fishing stringer. with this setup you can put more than enough bait inside. when you throw the net the cage stays in place & doesn't flip over. The height of the cage makes it harder for lobster to be able to reach the top ring & get out.
Thanks to all for your replies.
I went ahead and made a bait cage out of 1/2" hardware cloth Friday night. As soon as I formed it, I knew that it was too big (2.5"x4.5"x7"), but since it was getting late, and I wanted it for the next day, I finished it.
It has a hinged lid, a latch that should be secure. I used stainless steel links to attach it to the net. The 1 linear ft of hardware cloth cost $1.88, and easily left enough for another cage. The links cost a bit more each.
I plan to make a new smaller one, perhaps 1.5"x3"x4.5". Any comments on that size, or other constructive criticism are welcome.
Steve
I went ahead and made a bait cage out of 1/2" hardware cloth Friday night. As soon as I formed it, I knew that it was too big (2.5"x4.5"x7"), but since it was getting late, and I wanted it for the next day, I finished it.
It has a hinged lid, a latch that should be secure. I used stainless steel links to attach it to the net. The 1 linear ft of hardware cloth cost $1.88, and easily left enough for another cage. The links cost a bit more each.
I plan to make a new smaller one, perhaps 1.5"x3"x4.5". Any comments on that size, or other constructive criticism are welcome.
Steve
Looks like a swell shark.
The cages look very nicely done. I avoid smelt if at all possible. Bonito, mackerel, salmon head and even chicken are a better bait. I have even heard of liver. Smelt does not have any blood or oil good enough to make good bait for hooping or even fishing.
Well, now I only hoop at Avalon. As soon as it gets dark, I drop the nets. Then set up a kitchen timer for 15 min. at first. As long as there is a crawl, I set for 15 minutes interval. As it gets darker and later toward the morning, I add five-ten minutes to the initial setting of 15. By 3-4 PM I am up to 45 minutes between the pulls. At Avalon there has been a lot of shorts lately, so I don't want them to sit and eat the bait for longer than necessary.
After a sea lion chewed the bottom part of wire cage that I was using, I made this sea lion proof bucket.
My catch of fish or lobster stays fresh for the duration of my outing. Then in a cooler for trip home.
The cages look very nicely done. I avoid smelt if at all possible. Bonito, mackerel, salmon head and even chicken are a better bait. I have even heard of liver. Smelt does not have any blood or oil good enough to make good bait for hooping or even fishing.
Well, now I only hoop at Avalon. As soon as it gets dark, I drop the nets. Then set up a kitchen timer for 15 min. at first. As long as there is a crawl, I set for 15 minutes interval. As it gets darker and later toward the morning, I add five-ten minutes to the initial setting of 15. By 3-4 PM I am up to 45 minutes between the pulls. At Avalon there has been a lot of shorts lately, so I don't want them to sit and eat the bait for longer than necessary.
After a sea lion chewed the bottom part of wire cage that I was using, I made this sea lion proof bucket.
My catch of fish or lobster stays fresh for the duration of my outing. Then in a cooler for trip home.