Prawning

[saltybeaver]

I have only set down the traps three times now.
How long should you leave the traps down for, I usually pull them every two or three hours is this right. Does it affect your catch by leaving it to long?

Last time I pulled half of the prawns had eggs I through most back because they were the smaller of the bunch, I heard you just scrap the eggs out? But also heard if you plan to drop the traps there again you should through them all back.

Any advice would be nice.
Thanks Chris

 

[Malibuguy]

All prawns with eggs should be returned to the water!!! This is our future fishery! Each of those eggs is going to be a prawn. Anyone who doesn't return the prawns with eggs to the water better not complain if DFO closes the rec fishery over the winter when the females are carrying eggs. The larger ones are always the ones with eggs because prawns spend the first few years of their lives as males and then change to females in their 4th year and produce eggs.
I also pull my traps every couple of hours. I have left them for longer but it doesn't seem to make a lot of difference in the numbers caught.

 

[nedarb2]

just wondering, but with the pressure difference effect on the adults pulling prawns up, i bet the eggs will be destroyed? I guess a chance of 1 even 1 surviving is better than no chance at all though? Anybody know anything on this[?]

 

[knucklebuster]

I've heard that they go blind when they depressurize.Ever notice how thier eyes look red.Someone said thats a result of coming up and the eyes pop inside.

 

[Still Learnin]

The pressure difference does not effect prawns becuase it is caused by air (the air blatter in a bottom fish) since prawns do not have any air inside them the pressure difference has no effect on them. (Basis SCUBA diving lesson).

 

[knucklebuster]

quote:Originally posted by Still Learnin

The pressure difference does not effect prawns becuase it is caused by air (the air blatter in a bottom fish) since prawns do not have any air inside them the pressure difference has no effect on them. (Basis SCUBA diving lesson).

Then I geuss the biggest danger to them is getting eaten on the journey back down[]

 

[5-Salt Fever]

Anyone care to share their favorite prawn bait?

 

[MyEscape]

#1 Tuna Cat Food!!! Poke lots of small holes in the can both sides with your gaff but watch out for your fingers.

Cheers ME

 

[nedarb2]

We did a thread on the baits ppl use a little while ago, im not sure if its still on here have a look there were tonz of different recipes

 

[HALILLAMA]

Go to upper RH corner...Hit Search..punch in 'Prawn Bait'....Lots of selections...read...mmmmmmmm..nice [}].Just look and scroll around...lots of very experienced replies!!G[)][)]D LUCK.

 

[Pablo2079]

I bought a used prawn trap a couple years ago, but have yet to get it wet. I only have a 4 horse and there aren't any rocks near me. The closest I can think of are off a point a few miles away.

1) Are rocks critical to catching prawns? (I believe they are, but maybe I'm wrong.)

2) The rocks are only about 100 feet deep, is that too shallow? I know of some vertical rock faces farther away, but the bottom is sand. Does that work? I think the depth is better too....

I know the best way to check is to drop the trap and find out, but I want to make sure my assumptions are right.

Thanks!

 

[nedarb2]

I think 100' is to shallow, i set 215~275'. You want to drop your trap right ontop of a shelf/drop off. They hang out right on the ledge

 

[Bodie]

Saanich Inlet will be closed to any form of prawn fishing from May 1 to May 7. I guess too many people are taking the egg bearers home...

 

[nedarb2]

The sansum narrows will stay open though, its 17-5, 6, and 9 i believe..correct me if im wrong, and some of 18?

 

[Tailspin]

Area 18 is normaly open year round, but the currents scream through sansom narrows and satalite channel. Big floats and weighted traps are a necessity!

 

[scottyboy]

i thought the closer was for commercial guys