Peeler problem

[needle sharp]

i have tryed using frozen peeler crab twice before both times where night sessions i know its a well rated bait but i just dont feel confident when using it ive heard different ways of preparing it but am not sure which way is right.
i usually remove the gills legs claws and outer shell which leaves me with the mushy body but then find the bait does not last long in the water even with elastic cotton
can anyone give me some tips on this or am i doing it right

[kiwimarty]

Hi needle,

The other day Kev bought some frozen soft/peeler crab from one of our local stores. It was the one sold in a polystyrene container with about 5 in it and they were whole crab. To say this bait is substandard is an understatement. Some shops sell frozen peeler that has already had there legs removed along with there shells and then frozen. These are the better ones.

The thing is you can’t beat the fresh stuff but I do appreciate how hard that is to get hold of. Unfortunately crab is a very delicate bait so other that lashings of thread or wrapping it up, say in squid, I don’t think there’s much else you can do.

It’s the nature of the beast im afraid.

Kiwi.

[fishypaul]

hi darren,how are you mate,
we were speaking about this only the other day at the meet,i have used frozen peeler many times,i don't think it is half as good as when it is fresh and have consequently given up using them.
you are right to take off the shell and lungs(keep the legs and claws,they can be peeled and used.)
i have seen many ways of hooking them up,i always pass the hook through one leg socket and out the opposite one,after pushing it up the shank of the hook i bind it quite tightly ,this should leave a neat little parcel resting on the bend of the hook.
one thing that is useful is to use very fine elastic,some tackle shops sell thick stuff and i don't rate it at all,
this fine stuff was called "gold zack" and i got it from one of those sewing and fabric shops that women find so exiting,
hope you understand all that mate,
if not,bring one along to the pevensey meet and we will do a practicle demo.

[needle sharp]

thanks for the info guys you where right about the white container with 5 crabs in it thats what i brought the other day i can get hold of fresh peeler round my way but will wait until spring time as im not sure weather there peeling yet and even if they are im not too overkeen in collecting bait in the winter for some reason freezing my arse of wrestling with crabs doesnt appeal
but for a future refrance i will by a few frozen peeler so you could show me how to hook them properly at our next meet if you happy to do that paul

[kiwimarty]

That stuff in the tray is imported mate and its sooo bad.

We all live and learn........not your fault.

Kiwi.

[needle sharp]

Originally Posted by kiwimarty

That stuff in the tray is imported mate and its sooo bad.

We all live and learn........not your fault.

Kiwi.

at least you have told me otherwise i may have spent more on it in the future
cheers

[gullyworm]

I think another reason people dont do well with peeler is they use it for the wrong species and at the wrong time of year.
On the south west estuarys it is probably a top bait at this time of year for the flounders but round here were the crabs are not moulting i would use worm anyday over peeler.
Used in late April it is a killer for smoothies as that is what they are after as the crabs are moulting.
I know the Bass down here change from cuttle,to peeler to mackerel,late summer the only decent bait is live pout.
All i m trying to say is fish a bait that is natural for the time of year and the right bait for the fish you are targetting,peeler may not be what most fish are looking for in the depths of January.

[Simon TorbayFishing]

Fresh peeler I tend to use on its own and I agree with the others that frozen isn't as good. With frozen I usually mix other bait with it to boost the scent trail.

[pixybasher]

This time of the year when fresh live peelers are in VERY short supply, I cant see a hungry fish passing on a juicey worm cocktail.
In late spring though this is a different matter, when the peelers are peeling there asses off (quite literally) many species of fish are so focused on the peelers that they will not touch anything else.
I was in a shop last week and they were charging £3.99 FOR 4 frozen crabs.
I'll stick to worm for the time being thankyou.Unless I can gather the odd few for free.

[gullyworm]

Couldnt agree more Mr basher!