Peeler crab video tutorial

[scottish_and_mental]

Originally Posted by Jerry Two Jackets

I have crabs...voila!

http://home2.btconnect.com/knibbsdesign/fish/crabs.jpg

Let me know how you get on with them mate

[rob1974]

hi there everyone just switched to sea fishing from fly fishing,how can i tell the difference between peeler crab and hardback? i live in the llanelli area any area or advice would be very helpfull thanx

[Jerry Two Jackets]

Hi Rob

There are a number of ways you can tell a peeler from a hardback that I know of, though I'm sure some other forum members will also have advice.

From what I've heard/read/been told, this is what you can do to check:

1. Peelers don't feed, so tend to be more sluggish and hide away under rocks etc while they shed their old shell.
2. The process of peeling can be spotted by the shell cracking horizontally along the sides where it runs underneath. About 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock as you look at the crab's shell.
3. A bit later, the shell will actually start to lift at the back and you'll be able to lift it open.
4. You can apply slight pressure in the centre of the shell, which is actually quite thin. If it cracks quite easily, there's probably space under it and it's probably starting the peeling process.
5. Try pulling off the end section of the last trailing leg; if it comes off leaving a soft leg underneath, it's a peeler. If it comes off and leaves a little sinue, it's a hardback.
6. The shell of peelers can also appear soapy to the touch, I understand.
7. If it comes frozen in a pack marked 'Peeler Crabs' which costs an arm and a leg, they're peelers too!

Good luck with your search; let us know how you get on!

Cheers
Jerry

[scottish_and_mental]

Originally Posted by Jerry Two Jackets

5. Try pulling off the end section of the last trailing leg; if it comes off leaving a soft leg underneath, it's a peeler. If it comes off and leaves a little sinue, it's a hardback.

Don't pull the end section from the back leg as most crabs use this as their swimming leg ...pull the bottom section from the leg in front of it

[Jerry Two Jackets]

Originally Posted by scottish_and_mental

Don't pull the end section from the back leg as most crabs use this as their swimming leg ...pull the bottom section from the leg in front of it

If it comes off and it proves to be a peeler, it won't be doing any more swimming anyway, except perhaps on the end of your hook!

[scottish_and_mental]

Originally Posted by Jerry Two Jackets

If it comes off and it proves to be a peeler, it won't be doing any more swimming anyway, except perhaps on the end of your hook!

stop pulling my leg