hermit crabs

[Fishing Forum Admin]

I maybe wrong but I look on it has a second rate bait

Its the best bait for smoothounds

[JuanPablo]

Originally Posted by kiwimarty

We have gone from hermit crab to peeler!!!

I have only used hermit crab if i have caught one! I maybe wrong but I look on it has a second rate bait and certianly not buy it, let alone buy it frozen.

Whilst the subject of peeler has been mentioned, and this is something I read only a little while ago, few fish go for it because as we know peelers hide when shedding there shells............so fish have never seen them!!

hermit is a very special bait but because its not as easy to get hold of (in sum areas near impossible) they are underestimated! for example lugworm has a huge reputation simply because it is widely used. some secret baits remain a secret to most people.
wrasse are a sucker for hermits aswell and are one of the few fish who will take a whole ledgered hardbak crab - they will crunch through a crabs shell with ease! peeler crab come out into the pools at night - this is also the best time to gather softies aswell! - got this info from the crab guy who supplies a number of shops in my area. he only picks at night during big spring tides

[Ben]

never knew that about wrasse
like most baits though it depends on teh venue, fish n time of year
no point in tryna catch cod in winter with hermit crab (i dont think anyway)

[JuanPablo]

yeah and the easiest way to present one is an elastic band holding the hook (facing skyward) on the crabs back. the band goes round the hook shank and round his belly obviously. remove a few integral legs so that the swine cant effectively get under rocks and livebait him on a pulley rig! you can cast a hardback and he will survive without any problem! one other thing -dont let him keep his claws coz he will cut the snood and escape with an elastic banded 3/0 viking on his back - dont think many fish would wanna mess with him! 2 claws 8 legs and a big hook to snare anyhing in his path! lol

[kiwimarty]

Originally Posted by Fishing Forum Admin

Its the best bait for smoothounds

Hi Richard,

Having never targeted smoothound I wouldnt know about hermit being a good bait. All I can honestly comment on is that when I have used it, I've caught nothing.

Likewise I know that peeler is good for wrasse. Again, my opinion only, what an expensive bait that let's say, mackerel strip will catch, as I did yesterday.

I hold my hands up if im wrong but many of us want the best chance of catching something when fishing, so I vary my baits as much as my pocket will allow. Having caught little on any type of crab bait, fishing many different venues at various times/seasons, I find it extremly overated for what it costs.

kiwi.

[Ben]

sounds pritty good, no shortage of crabs around here mate
i think we should have titled this thread crabs

[JuanPablo]

hey kiwi where did u fish yesterday mate? what did u catch in all?

[Ben]

if we are talking about best bait for catching fish i recon it has to be squid/rag mixes around this area

[kiwimarty]

Originally Posted by Ben

if we are talking about best bait for catching fish i recon it has to be squid/rag mixes around this area

Now ya talking Ben and I have to totaly agree..........I thinks I rest my case

juan...sharkham point. 2 wrasse (on mackerel). 1 mackerel and 1 gar, and a ok a rock blenny!!

The squid caught nowt but it didnt cost too much either.

[JuanPablo]

nice one kiwi! i always like having squid to hand summer or winter coz its great to tip off worm baits as its so tough!