Prawns & Crabs

[Oggidog]

We prawn in the Nanoose area and do reasonably well. We always throw back the prawns that are carrying eggs. Unfortunately these are always the nicest ones.
We think we are doing the right thing to preserve the stock. What do your fellows do?
We set crab traps as well last week for the first time at Rathtrevor. Set them in 120 ft of water and used the pellets for bait. Did not get any crab at all. We think we were in the right area as there were other traps in the bay.
What bait is popular here? and is it the right season for crabbing?

 

[Time]

If I don't have salmon heads/tails to use, pick up some chicken backs at Safeway or wherever. Cheap and work.

 

[Tanglefoot]

I throw the spawners back and my friends tell me they do the same. I think it's the right thing to do. I have found that the odd one that makes it home with me are not as firm as the non-spawners.

 

[Brisco]

Way to go guys. We have been throwing the egged ones back for years. It only makes sense and D.F.O. should get it together. Fact is that with less fish more people are prawning. And why is prawning so good ? Because there are no bottom fish left to eat them.

 

[Pablo2079]

Some people use the excuse that any prawns thrown back won't make it to the bottom (turn into fish food).

If that was the case, you'd see a lot of people using prawns for bait. Makes sense to throw them back.

 

[Brisco]

quote:Originally posted by Pablo2079

Some people use the excuse that any prawns thrown back won't make it to the bottom (turn into fish food).

If that was the case, you'd see a lot of people using prawns for bait. Makes sense to throw them back.

Actually they should close the prawning when they have eggs.Last year I went on a winter spring charter and the guide put down traps.When we lifted them they were 50% with eggs. I felt crappy about it.

 

[lazoman]

You can expect to see berried (egg carrying) prawns from August until spring, April-May. Commercial prawners are to return all berried prawns, and the season may be altered if the count is too high.

Here are a few facts some may not know about prawns. The have a four year life cycle, all start out as males, spawn at 2.5 yrs with 3.5 yr old females, and get this, the following year, the males become females and spawn with the younger males.....lay their eggs and then they die.