Ring Traps, different question

[JALOPY]

I have noticed with the ring traps I have the the string will flip the crab out of the net. So I tried hookin a small piece of float or pool noodle to the snap that I connect the pull line to the trap strings. The idea is to keep the trap strings floating so as to not push the crab out when pulling up. My catch per trap increased dramatically.
Anybody have any better ideas to keep the trap strings off the bait??
John

[SteveL]

I do exactly what you describe, Tidalfisher Polecat (Jerry) is the first one to suggest the idea to me. I have seen some folks use a bobber instead of a piece of foam.

I also put a small sinker in the center of the net to help it sink more quickly and get away from the line(s) when I drop the ring back in after checking it. I attach the sinker w/ the same zip tie that I use to attach the snood that holds the bait.

[polarized]

I use a bobber on mine. I tested one in my neighbors pool, and I could see how it worked. Don't use too much or the doors will start to lift up! :nono: :nono:

[JALOPY]

I think I like the small bobber idea, Styrofoam bobber is probably best, right?

[SteveL]

Jalopy, yes on the styrofoam bobber. I may go to that becasue the pieces of foam tend to break off easily

[POLECAT]

Originally I experimented, and used for one year, the blue foam insulation used to insulate homes, etc.
With use and in storage the foam deteriorated so I found some gill net floats that were seconds at a store in VA. I bought all they had for a nickel each. They worked perfectly! The original price for these flaots was $0.70 each. Why the ones I bought were rated as seconds is beyond me. I couldn't see any difference between them and the $0.70 ones. ???

Apparently word got back to the store and when I went there again (several months later) there were no more seconds. Imagine that!!!
However, they had a larger size that were seconds...... same situation as before...??? I bought all of them too. They needed to be cut in half to work properly, but that was easily done on the band saw. They also worked perfect!!!

Gill net floats are made denser than the insulation foam and hold up for many years. They usually have a large diameter hole which can be fitted with a short piece of dowell rod. I ran the line from the ring net thru the hole in the float and hammered a short length of dowell in the hole with the line. It fits very snug and holds the float in place.

I know of no other way to keep the 3 lead lines off the bottom of the ring net.

When attaching floats to your ring nets make certain you test them before using them. Too much buoyancy will lift the outer ring and crabs will not enter the net.

Another recommendation: while you are improving your ring nets, now is the time to remove the original cotton lead lines and replace them with nylon line. They (cotton lines) are the first things to break.

[JALOPY]

Polecat,
All I can is WOW. That was a great, well thought response, Thank You very much.
I think the next time I am in a tackle shop I will just get some small Styrofoam bobbers I can just clip on. I keep my float and handline stored seperately from the ring net. I bait, then clip the line on using a snap swivel, and now I will then clip the bobber to the snap swivel.
Can't Wait
John
My rings are all metal, with metal mesh, I think they are heavy enough as is. I bought them a year ago at Tristate Flea Market, 8 completely rigged with floats for $5.00. I also have several box traps and of course my trot line.

[rgminer]

I have a bartender friend who saves me wine bottle corks. I drill a 1/4 hole up the middle of the cork, slide it down the the bottom of the line just above the ring lines and secure it with a knot right above the cork. Cheap (free) easy and will last damn near forever.

[POLECAT]

That's much better than having to buy them!!!:thumbup:

[crabfish]

Always willing to help a fellow crabber, so I tell ya what, send me 30 bottles of wine (no mad dog, they have a screw top!) and I'll empty them for you and mail the corks back at my expense! :)