Hermit Crab?

**sheff82** · 06-03-2007, 21:37

Hi all!

I've been thinking about trying out some different baits as my catches so far this year haven't been the best. One bait i'm looking to try is Hermit Crab as i've never used it before. I'd like to collect my own, i reckon a drop net is the way to go baited with some mackerel off a harbour wall. i'm just wondering if you could suggest if this would be the best way and also, how would i go about finding the best area to try?

I was thinking if the drop-net didn't work that i could set some sort of trap but don't know where i can get one and how i could secure to the shore so i can haul it in when needed? Loads of questions, sorry!

Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance.

**big guy** · 06-03-2007, 22:35

it's down to local knowledge, and keeping your beady eyes on other people.

there's very limited places to get hermit crabs from in my area. try and chat up a local trawlerman, and have a bottle of scotch or pack of beers to keep him sweet. they'll prob keep you going all summer if you keep them sweet.

**sheff82** · 07-03-2007, 09:31

Thanks mate! Thats a good idea!

Looks like i'll be spending the next couple of weeks looking dodgy, hanging around my local harbour

.

**Bootster** · 07-03-2007, 11:16

Sheff82, the best ones to speak to are the potters as they'll get loads of them although the trawlers will get them too. We've actually had one on a local site round our way offering them at 20p a pop which is pretty useful. If you've got any whelk guys round your way they'll get hundreds and hundreds, just ask if they can pick them out before boiling them though!

One thing about them is that they peg it almost as soon as they're out of the water so be prepared to freeze them if you get a load. If they're alive getting them out of the shell can be a pain apparently, I've heard that a lighter on the end 'encourages' them to let go and is better than a toffee hammer. Anybody got any better ideas on getting them out of the shell?

**krysb** · 07-03-2007, 11:35

bootster
we get our hermits from the local potters in rtn for all the heads + frames + guts that we have left over from filleting
i find that laying them on their backs in the garden with the whole pointing up seems to do the trick when it comes to removing the little sods
if you just try to pull them all you get is a claw or 2
fantastic bait for codling etc when bound into big balls but without claws.
use with claws on for smuts off beach or on boat

hope this helps

krysb

**billfish** · 07-03-2007, 12:07

yes ask the potters m8t they get hundreds of them.
the best way 2 get them out is 2 just drop 1 at a time in
a bucket of fresh water & the jump straight out

**oldchukka** · 07-03-2007, 12:13

pop em into a plastic bag, inflate it [blow into it] put it somewhere warm for a while. --- they will flop out.

**sheff82** · 07-03-2007, 19:51

Thanks for all the help guys. I did here that they do die pretty quickly, but i'm planning to try and get them the day i go fishing or maybe the day before...they should keep ok in the fridge overnight without going too bad? Now all i have to do is find a local potter or whelk man. Any hints?
Thanks again!

**solehunter** · 08-03-2007, 13:22

Originally Posted by sheff82

Thanks for all the help guys. I did here that they do die pretty quickly, but i'm planning to try and get them the day i go fishing or maybe the day before...they should keep ok in the fridge overnight without going too bad? Now all i have to do is find a local potter or whelk man. Any hints?
Thanks again!

In my experience, go for the welk boats as the crab /lobster fishermen are normally horrified if they see hermits in there pots as it means they are fishing on the wrong ground.
When i worked on a potting boat, the amount i collected wasn't worth bothering with.
Welkers on the otherhand, get loads (i think).