Author Topic: Collecting pencil bait (Read 19859 times)

adam · « **on:** January 26, 2012, 11:18:45 AM »

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.

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.

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.

4. Twist the wire

5. Gently pull until you feel you have it hooked.

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.

Forgot to take pics of bait presentation... next time.

Homie · « **Reply #1 on:** January 26, 2012, 11:22:19 AM »

Awesome Post Adam !!!

strandloper · « **Reply #2 on:** January 26, 2012, 12:17:25 PM »

Great Post Adam!!

:shre:

REEFMAN · « **Reply #3 on:** January 26, 2012, 12:20:08 PM »

Outstanding...!! Always wanted to know how to do this properly! +++cred Adam!

WalkersKiller · « **Reply #4 on:** January 26, 2012, 12:59:45 PM »

Adam

SAfish · « **Reply #5 on:** January 26, 2012, 01:21:43 PM »

Good one, Adam.

Poenskop · « **Reply #6 on:** January 26, 2012, 02:43:15 PM »

Cred for you.

adam · « **Reply #7 on:** January 26, 2012, 07:45:32 PM »

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.

MIKE PIKE · « **Reply #8 on:** January 26, 2012, 07:54:43 PM »

.. Great post Adam.

Mal Hannes · « **Reply #9 on:** January 26, 2012, 08:06:55 PM »

Love it Adam.

Where in EC are these still freely available?

Brilliant bait!

Please show us your presentation!

Thanks

Manuel Junior · « **Reply #10 on:** January 27, 2012, 09:09:20 AM »

Very Nice Post Adam !!!

adam · « **Reply #11 on:** January 27, 2012, 10:40:36 AM »

Quote from: Mal Hannes on January 26, 2012, 08:06:55 PM

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

SAfish · « **Reply #12 on:** January 27, 2012, 11:52:01 AM »

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!

adam · « **Reply #13 on:** January 27, 2012, 11:58:54 AM »

Know for a fact that there are plenty in keurbooms as well.

Generally you will find them in areas closer to the ocean.

PH · « **Reply #14 on:** January 28, 2012, 03:15:35 AM »

Thanks adam.

PH · « **Reply #15 on:** November 15, 2012, 12:21:40 PM »

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

SAfish · « **Reply #16 on:** November 15, 2012, 12:37:15 PM »

Yes, I have tried with thinner wire but it just tears through the pencil bait.

Hooked · « **Reply #17 on:** November 15, 2012, 01:51:33 PM »

I thought all you needed was a bag of salt to get razor's

SAfish · « **Reply #18 on:** November 15, 2012, 02:11:02 PM »

I still need to try that method.

icstuff · « **Reply #19 on:** December 02, 2014, 12:25:37 PM »

Quote from: SAfish on November 15, 2012, 02:11:02 PM

I still need to try that method.

Have you tried it?
I saw a video of some pomies getting them with salt