Patent Dipper

[Crabslayer]

I am seriously considering installing a patent dipper. My only concern that I have is the quality of the crab from being force held in the net. I have seen some crabs that were caught via dipper and have notice that their legs also get damaged (not good for presentation at restaurant.) The manufacturer tells me that you have to keep 5 knots in order for them to stay in the net. I know we had this discussion last year and seem to remeber that some of the buyers wanted to be assured crabs weren't caught with this method. The afore mentioned having to do with survival rate.

Thoughts???? Comments!!!!

[POLECAT]

Seems more guys are going to the patent dipper these days.
Perhaps the use of short length lines would help keep the crabs from being harmed. They would be left in the net a shorter period of time.

[Capt.Nick]

They were used in the old days when many Barrels of crabs were easy to catch.1940s ,50s,60s.Those days are gone.They're novelties now in our area.It would be fun to try one.The sacks were 6-10 ft.long and were used on big boats.They were big & heavy 150# or more for big boats,not counting the weight of the crabs.Don't we wish those days would return?

[Antman40]

I don't know Jerry, Brian, If I had a boat big enough to run a dipper and was going to do it I think I might try Pots first. I know that's the antichrist to you guys but, If I were in that situation.......it's all commercial....
The beauty of trotline crabs is the actual waterman "picks" the crab, crab is fresh "plucked' from the water, in pristine condition. To me the dipper is leaning more to the comm side completely, they do get banged up, mass processed. IT all depends on what you are trying to do.......if the "PD" can get you more $$$.....that's what it's all about.

Tony

[Burchbeer]

Brian,
I tend to agree with Tony.
But, best of luck with it if you decide to go for it.
What size boat do you have? 42 foot wood?
If I had more time and you were willing, Id love to be your "Personal Dipper" PD.

Dave

[Crabslayer]

Tony, potting is more work than I want.

Jer, I was thinking about 1,800' each line. The guy that makes the dipper tells me he baits his other lines up for the next day while the dipper does the work. He runs 2 1,800' and says he is done for the day when he comes off the water. I LIKE THAT!

Dave, my new luv is a 36'. My last daughter will be heading off to college and I will need a new "PS"... pooper scooper. [grin]

[mikie]

Well, 1800' is minimal for a commercial trotline. While the guy is baiting up his next days lines, WHO is steering the boat? These things don't run themselves - and when you're going faster (to keep the crabs in the dipper) they need even more attention.
Just came home from the local hangout, and the problem of dead, and short term live crabs from the dippers was discussed in length. (life long watermen - in their 70's).

[Capt. Dale]

Brian
My wholesale dealer would stop buying my crabs if he knew
I was using a dipper. Larger death rate due to drowing.
Don't get near any grass beds [smile]

[Thunnus Amongus]

Dreaded double post[sad]

[Thunnus Amongus]

A while back I talked to Durado about a dipper and he turned me to a guy in Cambridge that makes them. Given all I have heard about them, I dont think I would like to catch them that way for my livelyhood. but I sure would like to be able to do it that way occasionally when solo for personal consumption crabs. I would love to see one in action to see it work. ANyone have building plans or pics of this contraption?
Tom