hermit crab as bait

[noah]

I have got someone who will supplie me hermit crab as and when i need it. I have never used this as a bait but have read it is good for smooth hound, but the season for hounds is fast comimg to an end down on the north devon coast.

The flounder will start to come up the estuary this month(i hope) soon to be followed by the cod(ling). The estuary holds bass all year round all be it mostly schoolies.

So I was wondering what if anything would take them in the winter months, How do you use them as a bait and what is the best presetation of hermit

[Guest jay_con]

Its usually said in these parts that Hermit crab or tell pie as its known locally will catch whatever you would catch on worm and should be used on the same ground as you would a worm.

 

Whilst im sure others here will have thier own methods, I smash the shell with a hammer and take out the creature from within, then pinch away the shell with pincers attached and use the soft belly as bait. You can actually thread them up the hook with ease or whip them on as a cocktail with other baits. At certain times of year the cod seem to really enjoy them, at other times your wasting your time with them.

 

Best thing to do is keep experimenting and remember how and when they work.

 

As an added bonus most shells contain a small ragworm in the bottom.

[chesters1]

poor things cant you just serve them an eviction notice

[Guest jay_con]

No other way to get them out alive and in a state fit to go on the hook. Ive heared of people using a lighter but that sounds even crueler and ive been told it doesnt work.

[chesters1]

i,m sure tempting them with a larger open plan shell with state of the art kitchen and bathroom would do the trick, as they leave their rundown 1930's shell with outside karzi you could catch them

[noah]

I've been told that if you tie a piece of line to the claw/legs and hang them, the weight of the shell is eventualy to much for the crab and they release the shell?

[chesters1]

hang them just for shunning crowds and favouring caves that's a bit draconian

[Guest jay_con]

May well be true.

[noah]

Thats the way we are down here

[Guest jay_con]

These new persimmon homes arent all they're cracked up to be you know chests