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General Angling Topics => Bait & Bait Presentations => Topic started by: adam on January 26, 2012, 11:18:45 AM
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As promised...
Pencil bait, also known as razor clam (for good reason - watch out!) is a highly underrated bait and once you get the hang of it, collecting them is also very easy. I have been saved on a number of occasions, when I didn't reach the prawn and bloodworm banks in time for low tide, by collecting some pencils even at high tide.
As I said, collection is fairly simple, so guys and girls please stick to your limit of 20.
From personal experience I have caught the following species on pencil:
Kob, belman, white steenbras (pignose), grunter, cracker, stumpies and various reef species like blacktail, galjoen, stone bream, janbruin, bronze bream, etc.
Like mussels they freeze pretty well and the muscles relax, allowing for a softer, juicier bait.
Apparently they also make good eating, if you don't mind the fact that they look like pygmy penises.
Collecting:
All you need is a piece of strong, thin wire of around 60cm. I use spring steel. Make a 100° bend at the end leaving you with a 1.5cm hook. I have seen some guys making a handle at the back, but it is sometimes necessary to pull the wire through the clam's body to avoid damaging it. File the back end of the wire! Trust me on this one, I struck a stone or a shell once and the back went through my hand.
1. Look for distinctive keyholes in river mouths/lagoons and even some beaches. They are generally found in the same areas as bloodworm. I usually search around grassy outcrops. Notice the shape of the hole, with one hole slightly smaller than the other. Make a note of this, as it is vital to collect them successfully.
(http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i357/adam5016/1-2.jpg)
2. It is very important for your wire to go into the hole the right way round. The bend towards the smaller hole. In other words the point towards larger hole.
(http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i357/adam5016/2-2.jpg)
3. Push wire down around 30cm. You will actually feel the wire passing through the clam.
General rule of thumb - the lower the tide, the deeper the pencil will be.
(http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i357/adam5016/3-2.jpg)
4. Twist the wire
(http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i357/adam5016/4-2.jpg)
5. Gently pull until you feel you have it hooked.
(http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i357/adam5016/5-2.jpg)
6. Sometimes when they reach the surface they fight back. If you feel it trying to go back, don't pull too hard, otherwise you might end up breaking off its body. Just dig around the hole at the surface and loosen the foot.
(http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i357/adam5016/6-2.jpg)
Forgot to take pics of bait presentation... next time.
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(clap) (clap) (clap)
Awesome Post Adam !!!
:+ cred:
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Great Post Adam!!
:shre: :+ cred:
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Outstanding...!! Always wanted to know how to do this properly! +++cred Adam!
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:+ cred: Adam (clap)
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Good one, Adam. (clap)
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Cred for you. (clap)
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Thx guys. went fishing afterwards, but it was a terrible experience with all the weed in the water. Did have one massive take on pencil actually, but was cut off on a reef. Guessing a big steenie or cracker.
Forgot to mention, this is my favorite bait for this time of year when fishing of the beach. The simple reason being that lesser sandsharks tend to ignore it.
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(clap) .. Great post Adam.
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Love it Adam.
Where in EC are these still freely available?
Brilliant bait!
Please show us your presentation!
Thanks
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Very Nice Post Adam !!! (clap) (clap) (clap) (clap) :+ cred:
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Love it Adam.
Where in EC are these still freely available?
Brilliant bait!
Please show us your presentation!
Thanks
Will take some pics next time I go fishing.
I know there are plenty in the Kromme and Gamtoos, but you will probably find them in most rivers
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We get them here in Knysna as well. I don't know how it works but at certain times of the year you struggle to find them.
Beware when you dig in the sand, it is not fun having the sharp shell stuck between your finger and nail. Eina!
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Know for a fact that there are plenty in keurbooms as well.
Generally you will find them in areas closer to the ocean.
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Thanks adam. :+ cred:
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I notice that the locals at Plett use old style car radio antennas for the wire. The stiffness and length seems to be just right
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Yes, I have tried with thinner wire but it just tears through the pencil bait.
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I thought all you needed was a bag of salt to get razor's
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I still need to try that method.
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I still need to try that method.
Have you tried it?
I saw a video of some pomies getting them with salt
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No, I have not tried it yet but will give it a go as soon as possible and will report back.
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thx, I need to know how many bags of salt to put in my tacklebag
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Interesting for us ex vaalies! Tell us more about the salt method please?
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:hnthnt: ..Jam tin....put it opening on the sand ...right next to the larger hole and stand on the tin....pushing down slowly...out comes your pencil.....prefarably on a bright moon at one hour to low and on a light west wind....
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Interesting for us ex vaalies! Tell us more about the salt method please?
Check out this video clip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlKRfvHHYT0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlKRfvHHYT0)
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this chap uses salt water:
Finding Razor Clams (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8SdYsZufQ0#)
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how does one rig them on the hook?
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Thanks Hermann will check it out this evening.
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how does one rig them on the hook?
I rig them the same way as a white mussel.
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Nice Adam
Hope you are available for some fishing with this vaalie again, I will try and provide for entertaintment again, maybe another st. Francis two step :yipee:.
Have never fished with a pencil bait, but it looks like a great bait, will love to give it a go.
Regards
B