NorthWest Kayak Anglers

Kayak Fishing => Product Discussions => Topic started by: BiggyZee on February 26, 2021, 11:48:06 AM

Title: Removable crab and shrimp pot weights -- Do they exist?
Post by: BiggyZee on February 26, 2021, 11:48:06 AM
After reading and watching videos it seems like hauling 30lbs+ pots from the deep is an intense workout.
Is there some kind of clip that I could attach to the trap?
There would be weights attached to the clips, and the clip would have its own line. With a nice tug I could dislodge the clips and pull it in with a large fishing reel. After reeling in the weighted clips manually pull up a much lighter pot.
If it doesn't exist I had an idea with a custom hitch-pin, similar to a descending device.
Title: Re: Removable crab and shrimp pot weights -- Do they exist?
Post by: SD2OR on February 26, 2021, 01:07:50 PM
Maybe use light duty zip ties, that would break with a nice tug of the rod? Or some light monofilament?
Title: Re: Removable crab and shrimp pot weights -- Do they exist?
Post by: BiggyZee on February 26, 2021, 01:35:31 PM
I believe your interpretation of the intensity level is overblown.  What you describe is unnecessarily complex.  I put 5 pounds of rebar in my Danielson traps and call it good.  The only time I've really struggled was in 70' with a trap of 20+ crab and that was with a bum shoulder.

Dave

Fair enough. I'll probably try it the normal way first and see how I fare.
This application was mainly for spot shrimping in Puget sound where people recommend 400ft of line and 20lbs+ of weights.
Title: Re: Removable crab and shrimp pot weights -- Do they exist?
Post by: diverdoyle on March 09, 2021, 09:23:04 AM
Good luck with spot shrimp in a yak somethings are better left to a larger boat
Title: Re: Removable crab and shrimp pot weights -- Do they exist?
Post by: Dawn Patrol on March 09, 2021, 10:21:47 AM
I’ve seen positive sounding reports around kayak shrimping on here, but  when a buddy and I tried it (early in our kayak fishing careers) we retroactively named the day “Black Saturday” and he actually bought a PB the next week as a direct result.

Full pots with 20+ weights 200’+ deep and with current is no joke. Shrimp escape the pots if it’s slow or inconsistent pressure on the way up, heartbreaking to watch live after all the effort.

I like your thinking about the breakaway weight, that might help. I actually have a lighter shrimp pot I pulled up with a downrigger on a PB that I am holding onto in case I want to try the kayak method ever again. Regardless of do-ability, I found it pretty inefficient on the kayak so these days stick to PB’s with an electric puller.
Title: Re: Removable crab and shrimp pot weights -- Do they exist?
Post by: BiggyZee on March 09, 2021, 11:11:38 AM
It seems like shrimp pots on kayak is no joke :laugh:. People seem to struggle manually pulling even on a boat.

Had another idea modifying the mesh on those casting crab traps, as well as putting some "fingers" at the end like a venus fly trap. WDFW emailed me saying it was OK if the mesh size meets the gear requirements. I'd probably let it soak for 10-15 minutes then retrieve. Don't really have a big freezer so I would just keep enough shrimp for a catch n cook, and maybe another meal day. That also means no need for a big heavy pot to yak around.  ;D

I'll attach a drawing of the breakaway weight idea.
Title: Re: Removable crab and shrimp pot weights -- Do they exist?
Post by: bogueYaker on March 09, 2021, 12:22:47 PM
I'll attach a drawing of the breakaway weight idea.

Give it a shot, experimenting can be fun. Maybe try it out in freshwater before the season starts so you don't ruin a day of crabbing ;).

Interpreting your blueprint literally, I wonder if having the weight mounted on the side would cause the trap to tend to lay on it's side.
Title: Re: Removable crab and shrimp pot weights -- Do they exist?
Post by: BiggyZee on March 09, 2021, 01:22:53 PM
Give it a shot, experimenting can be fun. Maybe try it out in freshwater before the season starts so you don't ruin a day of crabbing ;).

Interpreting your blueprint literally, I wonder if having the weight mounted on the side would cause the trap to tend to lay on it's side.

Will do. Still waiting on the second half of my kayak  :laugh:
It was supposed to be 4 weights each one on a corner. Or maybe just 2 laying flat side down. Hoping my Penn 8000 reel can take the weight.
Title: Re: Removable crab and shrimp pot weights -- Do they exist?
Post by: diverdoyle on May 31, 2021, 12:33:51 PM
side note   is a  great place  for  weights is  thrift  stores / good wills   get the  richard  simmons  coated  1-5# weights  for really cheap  there
Title: Re: Removable crab and shrimp pot weights -- Do they exist?
Post by: Ling Banger on May 31, 2021, 02:32:41 PM
You are making him sad bro.  :sad10: