NorthWest Kayak Anglers

Kayak Fishing => Product Discussions => Topic started by: jself on January 23, 2011, 11:24:45 AM

Title: crabhawk!
Post by: jself on January 23, 2011, 11:24:45 AM
The latest addition to hand lining from a sea kayak:

http://www.crabhawk.com/ (http://www.crabhawk.com/)

I've been toting full size, 30-40lb crab traps around on the deck of my sea kayak and it totally sucks! Quite a few times I've needed a buddy's help in retrieving them off the bottom. I can get it to the boat, but clearing the hull and getting it on deck in anything other than glassy water was super hairy.

I can't tell you how many times I find myself floating on top of a bunch of crab while touring or surfing and wish I could snag a few. I could sight fish them with my hand line and the crab hawk and my total crab fishing set up would be less than 3lbs, and fit in a hatch or under the deck rigging while cruising.

I saw a guy casting one at Cascade Head last fall and he pulled out a crab within 10 seconds of every cast. Seems ideal for the hand line as well. We're going to start carrying them at Alder Creek with sea kayakers in mind.
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: Ling Banger on January 23, 2011, 11:49:30 AM
I found one on my last beach clean up, but it needs new netting. I love finding useful stuff! Somebody should make one double or triple the size. It looks like you could barely fit a good size dungie within the framework, but in theory they would seem effective. Especially for the Hobie guys, who could hold their position directly over it w/out dropping their rod. I wouldn't think drifting and dragging it across the bottom would do much good.
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: Drool on January 23, 2011, 11:49:47 AM
After getting tangled up in conflicting wind and currents, other crabbers that drop right near you, and losing all sorts of gear, I'm giving this baby a try myself.

Also, there are some areas you need to be down 75-100 ft. and when you factor in 25' of rode it becomes sort of impractical - for me.  I think dropping a device down with rod and reel will work out better.

I wonder if this would count as a 2nd rod?

Bret
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: Ling Banger on January 23, 2011, 12:35:59 PM

I wonder if this would count as a 2nd rod?


You would probably get some dirty looks, but I wouldn't think it would count as two rods as you're not targeting fish and there's no hook. I'm not a game warden though.
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: jself on January 23, 2011, 02:06:40 PM
I always see tons of crab where PB's couldn't possibly get. Right up next to rocks/walls/headlands in little pockets I hide in etc. Many times I've been able to get stone crab with just my hands. I'm headed to Tillamook Bay tomorrow with TXpaddler and I can't seem to find a crab hawk in stock anywhere to give it a go.

I might just try the old texas crawdaddy meathod and tie a drumstick on the end of the hand line with a hook attached.
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: Pelagic on January 23, 2011, 05:59:30 PM
Almost sure I saw some in Tillamook Sporting goods the last time I was in there (last week)
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: jself on January 23, 2011, 08:20:19 PM
I'll hit them up if they're open.....any idea what time do they open?

J
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: Pelagic on January 23, 2011, 08:36:44 PM
Fairly sure they open at Seven AM. 

You might also try the store/boat rental place on the docks at the garibaldi marina or I think the Bar View store might also carry them.   Most places on the coast that carry a decent tackle inventory have them, more often in stock during the summer months as they are favorites of the tourons
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: INSAYN on January 24, 2011, 03:09:59 AM
Bi-Mart has the Danielson version identical to the Crab hawk for $16 each.

I tried tossing these with a fishing rod off the Garibaldi crab dock last fall, but you have to have some serious drag to winch it back in with a load of crab.  And yes you can catch several keepers at a time with one, as the net will stretch in several directions.  To get them to sink faster, just add some pencil led to the center bar and you're set.  These are also a kick for kids, as they can actually handle them much easier than a loaded ring/pot, and you can pull them up every few minutes.  Kids won't have time to get bored.

I recently got myself 2 more, so I now have 3 for kayak crabbing.   My goto crabbing for docks, and now kayaking are these gems.  Just wrap 50 feet of thin line, or 550 cord around the closed unit and stuff 3 of these into a 5 gallon bucket.  The Dollar Tree sells 3 piece frozen Tyson chicken thighs for $1 and two packages fit in the 5 gallon bucket with the traps with room to spare.  Add a seat lid and you're set for a dock.  For kayaking, I'll just put the bait in a stinky dry bag and store below deck until needed. 

Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: demonick on January 24, 2011, 09:02:19 AM
Then there are these crab snares:

http://www.cabelas.com/crab-traps-accessories-7-loop-crab-snare.shtml?type=product&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleBaseUSA&WT.z_mc_id1=701142&rid=40&mr:trackingCode=9005DE51-F5D2-DF11-82EF-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA (http://www.cabelas.com/crab-traps-accessories-7-loop-crab-snare.shtml?type=product&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleBaseUSA&WT.z_mc_id1=701142&rid=40&mr:trackingCode=9005DE51-F5D2-DF11-82EF-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA)
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: Drool on January 24, 2011, 05:23:33 PM
I've heard those work pretty good too.  May try em' both out this year.
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: 24togo on January 24, 2011, 06:39:49 PM
Nanook!  How was Tilly today?  I'm thinking of going tomorrow to drop a couple traps and look for some fish.
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: jself on January 28, 2011, 05:14:26 PM
Nanook!  How was Tilly today?  I'm thinking of going tomorrow to drop a couple traps and look for some fish.

Tilly was great, fishing was slow, napping was great as well. Couple female and undersized crabs no keepers, TXPaddler said he had a sturgy pick up his bait and spit it out but I don't believe him :)

I fished mild for 30-45 minutes and then managed to nap in the little clearing behind the point at crab harbor.

Must have been the one crappy wether day all week at the coast....drizzle and 20kt wind in the afternoon.
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: kallitype on January 28, 2011, 05:51:16 PM
Went to the Seattle Boat show today to look at fishfinders, would up with a jolly good kayak-size crab pot:


http://www.jollygoodtrap.com/ (http://www.jollygoodtrap.com/)

  They need some rebar in the bottom, as they're really light , but they work really well, and fold flat and small. Downside is price----$69
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: Dan_E on January 30, 2011, 06:10:55 PM
I found the Danielson traps at Warehouse Sports in Salem today for $9.99 each.  I bought two for later trips to the coast.
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: CrabHawk on May 07, 2011, 11:46:25 AM
Glad to see the CrabHawk getting some good action from the yaks.  I run a Cobra Fish n Dive.....luv em.

Indyflier - do you know the CrabHawk is made right there in Independence?  Call my up my Dad as he's got lots (541-921-3593)  As far as the Danielson version.....I don't recommend you waste your money......it's cheap and you'll find out why pretty quickly.   It will work (kind of), but it's not made to last, isn't made in America and is a knock-off of the CrabHawk when we ended our contract with them.

Remember.....the CrabHawk gets you out where the BIG ONES lay and where dinner is just a cast away!

www.crabhawk.com (http://www.crabhawk.com)
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: kfshr on May 07, 2011, 12:07:35 PM
As funny as this sounds, Amazon.com has  crabhawks for $15+

http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=a9_sc_1?rh=i%3Asporting%2Ck%3Acrabhawk&keywords=crabhawk&ie=UTF8&qid=1304794065 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=a9_sc_1?rh=i%3Asporting%2Ck%3Acrabhawk&keywords=crabhawk&ie=UTF8&qid=1304794065)

Here's a different type that may be similar

http://www.crabmax.com/ (http://www.crabmax.com/)
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: INSAYN on May 07, 2011, 12:14:10 PM
As funny as this sounds, Amazon.com has  crabhawks for $15+

http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=a9_sc_1?rh=i%3Asporting%2Ck%3Acrabhawk&keywords=crabhawk&ie=UTF8&qid=1304794065 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=a9_sc_1?rh=i%3Asporting%2Ck%3Acrabhawk&keywords=crabhawk&ie=UTF8&qid=1304794065)


It gets confusing when ya see ads like this.  On the link above, it shows the "Crab Hawk" on the package picture, but is advertised sold as the "Crab Jaw" from Danielson.   :-\
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: DTS on May 07, 2011, 01:11:06 PM
Thanks Insayn for getting me hooked up with the Bimart setup. Sweet setup, easy to use, a absolute grab and go must for me!
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: kfshr on May 07, 2011, 01:51:54 PM
Hi Insayn,
The Crabhawk ads on "of -all-places as Amazon" appear to be legitimate.  They are the same crabhawk traps made in OR.  Here’s the url for a search of Google Images (you’re going to love this website). There are photos of the same paperwork for the product that are on Amazon's website and  also bunches of photos of the Crabhawk traps in action on the same page.  Sorry, I'm not sure how to send the photos.

http://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&hl=en&source=hp&biw=1011&bih=859&q=crabhawk&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2&aq=f&aqi=g1&aql=&oq= (http://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&hl=en&source=hp&biw=1011&bih=859&q=crabhawk&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2&aq=f&aqi=g1&aql=&oq=)

 

 

 (http://)
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: Wayne on May 07, 2011, 05:12:33 PM
Went to the Seattle Boat show today to look at fishfinders, would up with a jolly good kayak-size crab pot:


http://www.jollygoodtrap.com/ (http://www.jollygoodtrap.com/)

  They need some rebar in the bottom, as they're really light , but they work really well, and fold flat and small. Downside is price----$69
I found the Danielson traps at Warehouse Sports in Salem today for $9.99 each.  I bought two for later trips to the coast.
I wouldn't worry about the $69. They're good quality. Danielson = made in China as far I've been able to see. It's nice to not send any more money out of the country than you have to. I made the mistake of buying something on the cheap today and I can tell already I'm going to end up buying a replacement that I should have bought first. I'm learning s l o w l y, but I think I'm getting dummer from all the lead in the things I've bought from China :D Buy the right thing and buy it once.
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: tenhunter on May 07, 2011, 09:40:09 PM
This makes crab fishing from a kayak tempting to me...
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: demonick on May 08, 2011, 08:39:39 AM
You could also watch Zee's Crabbing from a Kayak video:

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/page,36.html (http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/page,36.html)
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: CrabHawk on September 28, 2011, 07:55:36 PM
The only caution I have for buying the Danielson "Crab Jaw" (made in China) is that yes it is cheaper, but ANYONE having used it in the past will tell you that it may work for a minute, but you will quickly learn why it's selling for $9.99.  The CrabHawk is made in the USA by hand by the owner and is made of superior stainless steel that will last.  Ask around and make sure.  If the package doesn't say CRABHAWK.....it's a "knock-off"  (which is what the Crab Jaw is - they used to make the CrabHawk for us and when they continued to make it over seas with inferrior materials, we ended our contract with them).

Don't find out the hard way.......
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: CrabHawk on September 28, 2011, 08:17:53 PM
Reply to:  "I found one on my last beach clean up, but it needs new netting. I love finding useful stuff! Somebody should make one double or triple the size. It looks like you could barely fit a good size dungie within the framework, but in theory they would seem effective. Especially for the Hobie guys, who could hold their position directly over it w/out dropping their rod. I wouldn't think drifting and dragging it across the bottom would do much good".

We (CrabHawk) have made many different sizes and shapes of the CrabHawk until we decided on the current size.  We found that making a larger size (as it was originally designed for use with a rod & reel), it made the CrabHawk to heavey for the basic user and was too hard on your rod & reel.  When the CrabHawk is full of crab it can be pretty heavy.....not to mention the resistance from the tide and kelp/grass.  You definitely want to make sure you're taking the CrabHawk along wiht your dinner  ;-)

As far as using the Danielson version (aka Crab Jaw).......Danielson previously distibuted CrabHawks for us, due to growth and demand.  But when they began making them in China with inferrior materials.....we ended our contract.  Unfortunately, they knocked us off and changed the name.  All I can say is, you get what you pay for.  If you buy the Crab Jaw and it works "ok" once, twice maybe three times and then stops working properly....don't be surprised.  We REGULARLY get complaints from people who buy their product and contact us when they have problems with it.  We stand by the CrabHawk 110% of the time and if you ever have problems with manufactoring and materials......PLEASE....do your research before you spend your hard earned cash!!
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: Ranger Dave on October 24, 2011, 05:31:40 PM
Hi Insayn,
The Crabhawk ads on "of -all-places as Amazon" appear to be legitimate.  They are the same crabhawk traps made in OR.  Here’s the url for a search of Google Images (you’re going to love this website). There are photos of the same paperwork for the product that are on Amazon's website and  also bunches of photos of the Crabhawk traps in action on the same page.  Sorry, I'm not sure how to send the photos.

http://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&hl=en&source=hp&biw=1011&bih=859&q=crabhawk&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2&aq=f&aqi=g1&aql=&oq= (http://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&hl=en&source=hp&biw=1011&bih=859&q=crabhawk&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2&aq=f&aqi=g1&aql=&oq=)



 (http://)

Actually, after talking with and ordering two from the inventor earlier today (24OCT11), they're not the same. According to Steven in Oregon, he had Danielson making them for him, but cut them loose due to poor quality. He also said the ones Danielson's is selling (and using the CrabHawk name illegally) is of inferior quality, utilizing cheap materials, which explains the price difference. Prior to reading this thread, I had never heard of them, but followed up, did my research and should receive mine in a couple of days. Amazon says it takes two to four additional weeks to receive the ones they sell on their Web-site.

I'll be doing a review of sorts (minus the crabs) when they arrive. Hope to test them soon in the salt, but still learning about basic yak fishing and then, just added four Danielson Crab pots a couple weeks ago because crabbing sounded like a blast....when does it end?
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: INSAYN on October 24, 2011, 05:50:25 PM
No disrespect to Mr. Crabhawk........

Some of the Danielson ones may very well be inferior, but I purchased mine (3 for me and 2 for my dad) on a whim at BiMart as they were readily available.
If the original ones were there, I would have purchased those instead. 

Now back to inferiority, I have use mine many times in several ways (tied off to a dock and tossed, rod and reel, and dropped over board with two small floats to retrieve like the bigger crab rings) and other than needing some extra weight added in bay/river current they perform just fine for me.

Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: Ranger Dave on October 24, 2011, 09:36:19 PM
No disrespect to Mr. Crabhawk........

For the record Bro, I'm not out to dis' anyone either. Mr Crabhawk (Steven) mentioned a few things Danielson had cut corners on and having never seen either example, other than the original mentioned in this thread and in use on Youtube, I never would have known they existed and the last thing I need to do is be in the middle of a patent war. I'm glad yours and your dad's are working out, but more than anything out of respect for you and insayn senior, as you seem like a decent kind of guy.

I want to try the Crabhawk and catch crabs from my kayak, which is why I initially bought the Danielson Crab Pots, but frankly, I really wanted to see up close and personal how they work as I'm a nut about gadgets. Maybe someday I'll build up enough "street cred" to hang with some of you and learn the ropes. For now its just me and I'm learning however I can, generally by trial, a shit load of error and thank the Kayak gods for this forum.  :notworthy:
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: INSAYN on October 24, 2011, 11:31:56 PM
No disrespect to Mr. Crabhawk........

For the record Bro, I'm not out to dis' anyone either. Mr Crabhawk (Steven) mentioned a few things Danielson had cut corners on and having never seen either example, other than the original mentioned in this thread and in use on Youtube, I never would have known they existed and the last thing I need to do is be in the middle of a patent war. I'm glad yours and your dad's are working out, but more than anything out of respect for you and insayn senior, as you seem like a decent kind of guy.

I want to try the Crabhawk and catch crabs from my kayak, which is why I initially bought the Danielson Crab Pots, but frankly, I really wanted to see up close and personal how they work as I'm a nut about gadgets. Maybe someday I'll build up enough "street cred" to hang with some of you and learn the ropes. For now its just me and I'm learning however I can, generally by trial, a shit load of error and thank the Kayak gods for this forum.  :notworthy:

That's how we all started my man!

I'm a bit less concerned about warrenties and tearing things apart to see how they work, and possibly making something perform better.
You should see all the crap I did to my T-13 in it's first year of service.  Some of necessity, most "just because".  ;D
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: Ranger Dave on October 26, 2011, 11:22:53 PM
Timeline - Monday: Had just gotten off the phone with Steven (Mr Crabhawk) and told if I still ordered today and paid via PayPal, order would still ship out the same day. Tuesday's mail arrives (roughly 22 hours later) and a Priority package with my two Crabhawks is present and accounted for. Stoked (like a little kid on Christmas morning), I take them into the house, rip them open and examine every detail. Its a great design and I can't wait to get out and try them.
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: INSAYN on November 07, 2011, 11:14:03 PM
No disrespect to Mr. Crabhawk........

Some of the Danielson ones may very well be inferior, but I purchased mine (3 for me and 2 for my dad) on a whim at BiMart as they were readily available.
If the original ones were there, I would have purchased those instead. 

Now back to inferiority, I have use mine many times in several ways (tied off to a dock and tossed, rod and reel, and dropped over board with two small floats to retrieve like the bigger crab rings) and other than needing some extra weight added in bay/river current they perform just fine for me.

I feel stupid now! 
Wandering through Bi-Mart the other day, I just happed to walk past the crabbing isle and noticed the folding crab traps that I had purchased there in the past were in fact the real deal. 
"Crab Hawks", and not the Danielson knockoffs.  I remember the label being yellow, but never paid much attention to the actual brand name.
Oh, and I just saw the Danielson brand at Dick's and they clearly have a different label than the Crab Hawk do.

So....

I can say that the real Crab Hawks are quality, as I haven't had an issue with any of mine. 
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: Ranger Dave on November 12, 2011, 12:02:29 PM
No disrespect to Mr. Crabhawk........

Some of the Danielson ones may very well be inferior, but I purchased mine (3 for me and 2 for my dad) on a whim at BiMart as they were readily available.
If the original ones were there, I would have purchased those instead. 

Now back to inferiority, I have use mine many times in several ways (tied off to a dock and tossed, rod and reel, and dropped over board with two small floats to retrieve like the bigger crab rings) and other than needing some extra weight added in bay/river current they perform just fine for me.

I feel stupid now! 
Wandering through Bi-Mart the other day, I just happed to walk past the crabbing isle and noticed the folding crab traps that I had purchased there in the past were in fact the real deal. 
"Crab Hawks", and not the Danielson knockoffs.  I remember the label being yellow, but never paid much attention to the actual brand name.
Oh, and I just saw the Danielson brand at Dick's and they clearly have a different label than the Crab Hawk do.

So....

I can say that the real Crab Hawks are quality, as I haven't had an issue with any of mine.

So, you caught and ate a little "crow" with your crab trap. ;D That may be another Insayn first.  Personally Bro, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. The only reason I even knew about the original was because of the NWKA forum and this very thread. Because of my new found interest in crabbing, it was of personal interest to me. Also, because I'm possessed by a nasty case of OCD, I researched the shiz out of it, including talking to and ordering from Steve, aka Mr Crabhawk. Talking to him was when I was told about the Danielson deal gone bad and their "inferior product".

I have never seen anything but the Danielson knock off (they call it the "Crabjaw") in stores, on this side of the Columbia or your side, and had to order mine direct.  I thought about buying one of those too, just so I could do a side by side comparison. I'm planning to take the Crabhawk with me Monday, on our crabbing excursion to do so some field testing. I think I've watched every Youtube video there is (ten hours I should have been fishing) and while some are pretty gay (no offense to those flying rainbow stickers on their kayaks), a few were pretty informative.
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: INSAYN on November 12, 2011, 01:08:37 PM
I don't know if I was really eating crow, as I didn't pay much attention to the fact there was a difference in products.  I just know I didn't have issues with what I was using.  Story may be different if I had the Danielson brand. 

Have fun with your crabbing, they work great from a kayak even with floats attached and left to soak for 5-10 mins each.
Title: crabhawk!
Post by: fishpshrinker on November 28, 2012, 10:13:02 PM
Am bumping this old thread up and hopefully not beating any dead horses in the process (hmm...how many crabs would a dead horse attract?...)
I bought a (realdealmadeinoregonusanotadanielsonchinaknockoff) Crabhawk today and am looking forward to trying it out hopefully soon. I'd like to use it while also fishing since I can't get out much and time is precious. How well does it work while slowly drifting around in a bay? Do you need to be fairly stationary or can your kayak be moving somewhat? Thanks for any feedback.
Title: crabhawk!
Post by: Ling Banger on November 29, 2012, 09:29:24 AM
Keep it still. Crabs follow the scent trail back to your bait. Moving it around is not good. Crabs eat dead things, dead things tend to be fairly stationary.

CrabHawk appreciates your timely bump.
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: Lee on November 29, 2012, 09:40:45 AM
You're better off attaching it to a small float and checking it every so often.
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: bilchuck5 on November 29, 2012, 10:00:05 AM
I have had a lot of luck using the crab Hawk. My buddy and I have actually built our own and made them a bit bigger then the ones you can buy. This style of trap is not  ment to be left alone. You can see when you have a crab in it eating your bait. It will tug your line like a very light fish bite. The most I've had in mine at one time us four. It's a good way to go crabbing for us a.d.d. fishermen who can't wait to check their pots, or for when you don't want to load up your yak.
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: Pine Cone on November 30, 2012, 06:59:19 PM
So I bit the bullet and ordered one yesterday.  Looks like a nice addition to using a regular trap.  Not the best weather to test it, but with luck there will be some calmish days above 40 degrees before the season ends at the end of the year
Title: Re: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: islandson671 on November 30, 2012, 08:54:19 PM
So I bit the bullet and ordered one yesterday.  Looks like a nice addition to using a regular trap.  Not the best weather to test it, but with luck there will be some calmish days above 40 degrees before the season ends at the end of the year
Add a piece of lead bar in the middle of the CrabHawk, drill a hole in each end of the lead and secure with zip ties. You can find them in the hunting section they are used for duck decoys.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: [WR] on December 01, 2012, 10:15:43 AM
Dino?
You talking about Decoy weights?
Title: Re: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: islandson671 on December 01, 2012, 12:32:44 PM
Dino?
You talking about Decoy weights?
Yup...you just need to drill an extra hole and zip tie both ends.(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/12/02/yda3a2az.jpg)

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Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: Pine Cone on December 01, 2012, 01:10:11 PM
Thanks for the tip on adding the decoy weight.

So are most of you crabbing with the Crab Hawk using a fishing pole setup or just a piece of thin rope?  If you are using a pole, what sort of setup are you using?
Title: Re: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: islandson671 on December 01, 2012, 01:35:40 PM
Thanks for the tip on adding the decoy weight.

So are most of you crabbing with the Crab Hawk using a fishing pole setup or just a piece of thin rope?  If you are using a pole, what sort of setup are you using?
Gotta thank Sensei Insayn the Master of Inginuity..:)

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: bilchuck5 on December 02, 2012, 03:00:53 AM
I'm using it with an ugly stick cheap reel and 40# braid. Works great for me. Short casts are easily made, longest are 60-75 ft. just depends on where you are at. btw thanks for the lead idea I'm going to give that a try
Title: crabhawk!
Post by: Dan_E on December 02, 2012, 08:42:07 AM
I attached line and a small float (in case all of the line drops into the water).
Where I crab is 10-15' deep so 25' of line is enough.

Disclaimer: I know it's not a Crabhawk but the Danielson knock off. When I replace it I'll buy Crabhawk.
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: islandson671 on December 02, 2012, 10:16:41 AM
Here's one of my float set ups I use for HOW with 48' of line. (http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/12/03/7ydyhy4u.jpg)
I got the floats off of eBay and painted them to meet regulation specs.

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Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: Quillback on December 03, 2012, 07:29:11 AM
Here's my setup with the Crabhawk:
I use a standard cannon ball or pyramid weight attached to the bait post.  Thus can easily change weights if necessary.
The buoy is a float used to train dogs for duck hunting.  I've added the red paint to conform to the regs.  The line is tuna leader (200#) from Ashaway Line &  Tuna Mfg (want the small diameter).
I use two Crabhawks 30' - 50' feet apart and just move back a forth between them.  Since I'm in the kayak I don't use a fishing rod for crabbing.
Just another alternative.
Title: crabhawk!
Post by: Romanian Redneck on December 03, 2012, 07:53:55 AM
Here's my setup with the Crabhawk:
I use a standard cannon ball or pyramid weight attached to the bait post.  Thus can easily change weights if necessary.
The buoy is a float used to train dogs for duck hunting.  I've added the red paint to conform to the regs.  The line is tuna leader (200#) from Ashaway Line &  Tuna Mfg (want the small diameter).
I use two Crabhawks 30' - 50' feet apart and just move back a forth between them.  Since I'm in the kayak I don't use a fishing rod for crabbing.
Just another alternative.

I like your setup. Especially how you have your weight rigged to be interchangeable.
200# tuna line sounds like it would be expensive and not easy to come by. I'm thinking of using a similar setup but with 80-100# braided instead.


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Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: Fungunnin on December 03, 2012, 08:16:02 AM
Tuna cord is probably cheaper and easier to handle than 100 pound braid. Any commercial fishing supply place will have it.

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Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: Lee on December 03, 2012, 08:17:54 AM
You can usually get 100 feet of 550 paracord for under $5.
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: Pine Cone on December 03, 2012, 09:57:44 PM
Thanks to everyone for info on what they are using for setting up their Crabhawks!

Got the two I ordered last week today and they look like they are well made.  With some luck on the weather side I will give them a test before the WA Crab season ends this year, but in any case I am ready for crabbing with the grandkids next summer.   

Thanks to NWKA for giving me a new way to go crabbing
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: weimarian on January 04, 2013, 07:39:08 AM
We were using the crab hawks here in cali but fish and game said illeagal to use :police: worked well with a short boat rod and old pitted large spool deep sea reel and 80 lb test line.  Hoping to get them legal here soon
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: OlySpec on January 04, 2013, 08:51:22 AM
Haven't tried my crabhawks from a yak yet.  I have used them extensively off the Westport fishing pier with great success using a tiger rod and spinning reel with 50lb braid.  I actually build my own snares now that I use that I find more effective off the pier, but am going to switch over the 'hawks to a float and rope setup like the guys above have for crabbing from the yak this year.
 
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: polepole on January 04, 2013, 08:55:41 AM
Haven't tried my crabhawks from a yak yet.  I have used them extensively off the Westport fishing pier with great success using a tiger rod and spinning reel with 50lb braid.  I actually build my own snares now that I use that I find more effective off the pier, but am going to switch over the 'hawks to a float and rope setup like the guys above have for crabbing from the yak this year.
 

Tell us more about your home built snares!

I still don't get why one would use a crabhawk and float over a ring or pot.  Anyone care to enlighten me?

-Allen
Title: crabhawk!
Post by: Romanian Redneck on January 04, 2013, 09:02:51 AM
Haven't tried my crabhawks from a yak yet.  I have used them extensively off the Westport fishing pier with great success using a tiger rod and spinning reel with 50lb braid.  I actually build my own snares now that I use that I find more effective off the pier, but am going to switch over the 'hawks to a float and rope setup like the guys above have for crabbing from the yak this year.
 

Tell us more about your home built snares!

I still don't get why one would use a crabhawk and float over a ring or pot.  Anyone care to enlighten me?

-Allen

I guess it's just for fun for some people. its also much cheaper overall than buying all the crab pot gear if you already have a heavier duty rod/reel. Plus if you don't have a kayak or power boat, you can cast these off piers and fish like you would for regular fish. Gives people without the ability to paddle out and drop pots a chance to still harvest crab.


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Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: Lee on January 04, 2013, 09:03:39 AM
I'm sure others have their reasons, but after using them at HOW events, I like them because they take up less space.
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: polepole on January 04, 2013, 09:07:31 AM
Haven't tried my crabhawks from a yak yet.  I have used them extensively off the Westport fishing pier with great success using a tiger rod and spinning reel with 50lb braid.  I actually build my own snares now that I use that I find more effective off the pier, but am going to switch over the 'hawks to a float and rope setup like the guys above have for crabbing from the yak this year.
 

Tell us more about your home built snares!

I still don't get why one would use a crabhawk and float over a ring or pot.  Anyone care to enlighten me?

-Allen

I guess it's just for fun for some people. its also much cheaper overall than buying all the crab pot gear if you already have a heavier duty rod/reel. Plus if you don't have a kayak or power boat, you can cast these off piers and fish like you would for regular fish. Gives people without the ability to paddle out and drop pots a chance to still harvest crab.


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Oh, I "get it" for off of piers.

-Allen
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: OlySpec on January 04, 2013, 09:09:38 AM
Haven't tried my crabhawks from a yak yet.  I have used them extensively off the Westport fishing pier with great success using a tiger rod and spinning reel with 50lb braid.  I actually build my own snares now that I use that I find more effective off the pier, but am going to switch over the 'hawks to a float and rope setup like the guys above have for crabbing from the yak this year.
 

Tell us more about your home built snares!

I still don't get why one would use a crabhawk and float over a ring or pot.  Anyone care to enlighten me?

-Allen

I'll dig a couple out tonight when I get home and post a pic or two....not feasible for Yak use unless anchored as snares need to sit on the bottom not moving for a while, but deadly off of piers or banks.
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: Skidplate on January 04, 2013, 09:34:29 AM
Ya, snares are great fun too. I've used them a fair amount from jetties and docks and found it was more fun than efficient. (but they can be effective) It's a lot like fishing when used on a rod since you feel them "bite", but many times we'd just chuck them out attached to string and have a competition to see who can get one in first. The fun part is that many times the snare doesn't always loop around a leg, but the crab is holding on to the bait box. They'll hold on until they get to the surface and then let go - makes for a great laugh.

 I've made some home-made snares with limited success, but I'm still farting around with them. The problem with the cheap Danielson snares is the high profile, low weight, and crappy electrical terminals on the loops. However, since snares are easily snagged in jetty pilings, a cheap snare is less painful to lose than one you spent time on crafting by hand. But building it is part of the fun and my latest incarnation involves a heavy steel 3" lashing ring and 100 lb mono loops.

I've found more success with the crab-max since it's possible to get more crab in there in one pull and you can chuck it further from a pier than a set of rings. Then, of course, a pot from the yak I've found is the most effective. It just seems that the fun diminishes with the effectiveness; but having more crab is always a good thing.
Title: Re: crabhawk!
Post by: CrabHawk on January 13, 2013, 07:47:28 PM
Several of you hit it on the head.....there are many types of crab catchers out there and each one has pros/cons with its use. 

The CrabHawk was designed so that YOU can see and FEEL the crab in it so you know when to pulled it in.  It was also originally designed for the crabber that wanted to crab, but didn't have a boat and needed to have access to catch dinner!  Hence the original concept with a rod & reel.

It quickly became apparent to CrabHawk that many people were using it from all kinds of platforms (kayaks, docks, piers, boats, jetties, shore, etc) and with great success. They used the traditional rod/reel, but also handlines.

All though the CrabHawk is small, it's MIGHTY in what it does and the amount of crab you catch when using it. I can say this because you can see the action on your rod tip and know when to retrieve it....compared to pots/rings where the line and bouy don't tell you anything.  We don't take anything away for them though, as they are just as efficient and fun.

But from a YAK......that is an absolute GREAT time.  I love getting out on the water and I've learned more tricks on how to better use the CrabHawk and even be more efficient at catching dinner.  This is a direct reflection from my fello yak friends, Dino and all the other yakkers with Heros on the Water - NW Chapter......thanx to all of you and have a great 2013 from CrabHawk.