Using a circle hook...

[Raam]

Has anyone tried rigging a live crab/sea lice onto a circle hook.
I would like to see how this could be done.
 

[Poenskop]

I think the only way to do that would be to glue the hook to the shell using super glue. The bend on the circle will make baiting up with something as brittle as a crab very hard.

[Homie]

Maybe use a dacron bridle ???

[Poenskop]

Maybe use a dacron bridle ???

What is a Dacron Bridle??

[Homie]

Its a piece of dacron threaded through the bait and attavhed to the circle so that the bait "Hangs" from it.


Used mostly for Marlin etc, but should work for this.


The gape of the circle needs to be open in order for the circle to work, this would ensure that the gape is open..


see pic of how its used in marlin fishing, we can adapt it to use here, maybe thread dacron or no7 fishing wire through the legs of the crab ???

[Andre Laas]

Although I have not tried this on crabs or mole crabs, I have a little trick with circle hooks that works beautifully for me.
 
I use pieces of pigskin/leather chamois cut into elongated triangles. The thin point of the triangle is hooked onto the circle hook, leaving a good strong base onto which just about any bait can be tied. This leaves the circle open for good hook-ups, and the bait sits better on the chamois than on the hook shank anyway. Probably similar principle as the bridle or a hair rig, and like I said, it works pretty well for me.
 
For the crab you can maybe use a clean strip, and glue it to the crab with a drop of super glue?

[Homie]

Brilliant Andre !

Same principle, just modified to suit us !!! Thats what I love !!!

[Homie]

PS - You got Cred for that !!!

[Raam]

Do you think that it would work if one simly pierced the hook thro' the shell and body, towards the rear end, and slide the sea lice into the "circle" of the hook.... obviously matching the size of the sea lice to the size of the hook... mmm ???
 

[REEFMAN]

Never tried it with a live crab... but here is how to do a circle with a dead crab...

[Homie]

Raam,

It should, my only concern is that it may break off ???

Also, it might close the gape a bit too much.  You would have to use a big circle to keep the gape open, as the lice, crab are a bit "fat" (thus closing the gape.)

[Poenskop]

That is a brilliant idea Critter. I will try it on the Cracker in the Eastern Cape come December. I've always had trouble hooking those red   . Cred's to you!!

[Action Man]

if i use a circle hook with a crab bait i would prob only use it the way Reefman has shown by inserting the hook shank...im going to be honest im not a fan of circles for edibles, i have my reasons for this...but as for non eds when sliding big baits and such i use them quite a bit hey

[Raam]

 :woo5: :woo5: :woo5:
 
 
Hey guys... FYI.... Just landed my first Garrick this weekend using a dead karanteen and a CIRCLE hook... on a throw trace...
 
 
 

[Homie]

Great stuff Raam !!!!

Well done ! So how did you rig it ?

[Raam]

Single Circle hook thro' top jaw... and cast it out...
Must also say, used a 9oz grapnel cause sea was running... plus the dead karra... was cast effortlessly with my new L&F HMG, with Trini 30.
This was a beautiful combination... the fish was landed with little effort... just enjoyed the fight and took it easy...

[Poenskop]

How big was the Garrick? Photo?

[Raam]

  Battling to download pic... hope it comes thro'... if not... will try again later.  Fish was between 7 - 8 kg.