New Years Eve Stone Crabs

[fishnshoot]

The plan was to check our rec crab traps and do some shooting afterwards. After looking at the weather report on sunday we decided not to load the boat with dive gear or rods and reels. That was a mistake the seas looked good. But we did do good with our crabs traps, 9 lbs of claws with a total of 47 legal claws and a good number of throw backs. That is our best catch so far. That Christmas day blow must have really got the crabs to move. I will try to post some pic, Ive never posted pic before

[ChuckD]

how deep are your pots set for this time of year? around any special structure? i just got some rec. traps with delayed release clips and i'm not sure where to drop them, hopefully without them getting stolen. thanks

[fishnshoot]

ChuckD
I just found a hard bottom area in about 18-20 feet out in the gulf off Johns Pass in Maderia Beach. I see traps as deep as 30-40 feet from commercial guys. Try to stay away from any commercial traps it may PO them if your to close to there traps. Ive had mine out since October and only lost one probably due to a prop from boat, my lines floated because they were not weighted to keep them down. Used pigs feet and fish carcasses for bait. Crabs like hard bottom, rocks, jetties and such. I will generally get 15-25 legal claws in my 5 traps after a week soak. Good Luck

[ChuckD]

Thanks, I'll give it a shot soon. I thought the commercial guys would steal them or cut your lines if they saw them anywhere with the big "R" on your bouy. And do you get any blue crabs in the traps as a bonus??
C-

[fishnshoot]

Here are some pics, I think

[fishnshoot]

Maybe pics this time