Questions on Crabing (blue Swimmers)

[Birchy]

Hey

I am not having much luck, on the old crab seen, the sailing season is over, and my weekends are now free, and i heard there are a fair few blueys around, (central coast area nsw) and have been out a couple of time, i think the problem is, time i go out! or the bait we are using! just not happening. because as far as i know any kind of crab traps are banded in brisbane water, and we can only use handlines, and a scoop net.

Quick couple of questions -

What time of the day?

Baits and blurly?

Rig set-ups?

Locations? - i dont; expect an answer to this as every one has there spot...

Drift or Anchored?

It would be much apprectiated if any one had a comment on theses topics,

(I did a serch on the forum to see if similar threads have been made before, i couldn't find one to answer my questions)

Cheers Birchy

[Noelm]

not too sure about the traps being banned up there but who knows?? as far as handlining them goes, it is a breeze, just get a fish frame, tie it onto a 20Lb or so handline (no hook needed) and cast out and wait for a crab to "walk off" with it, pull in really slowly and when it gets near the surface, have a net ready as they will let go at the top, almost anywhere is good crabbing area, but I find that in a channel when the tide is running out, and up on the falts at high tide to be best to try, anchored is best, get a few then move on about 20 metres or so, early morning seems best, but I have got them most anytime of the day.

[Kahuna]

What time of the day?

Doesn't really matter, Overcast days seem to produce more crabs though for some reason.

Baits and blurly?

No burley needed. Bait, use any type of fish. You can use whole fish, fillet, carcass whatever if a crab is around it is going to go for it.

Other baits I sometime use are:
Squid
Tin of Catfood (Only in a net and I am not sure if you are allowed to use them where you are from.

Rig set-ups?

Handline with fish tied to the bottom. Make sure you have a net handy to scoop them up as they will fall off without one.

Drop nets are good but again not sure if they are legal in NSW.

Locations?

Sandflat bottoms, depth doesn't mean much. I have caught them in a foot of water to god knows how deep.

Drift or Anchored?

Anchored.

[Birchy]

Yeah thanks. much appreciated,

[2hotpotato]

the last 3 times i've gone for a fish on the northern end of sydney i have come up with blue swimmers, caught 2 yesterday. one managed to get itself tangled 1/2 way up my line and the other wouldn't let go of the ganged pilchard. maybe im (un)lucky but it seems i'm getting more blue swimmers than fish these days.

[Birchy]

Went out last night, got a few blueys in about an hour and a half, thanks for the feed back guys, much appreciated.

Birchy

[GAFYM]

Put your bait in a ladies stocking. They get caught in the mesh very easily.
Old Navy trick.

[Nowhere Bob]

What are the navy boys doing with stockings on an all male boat?
Sounds a bit suss to me.

[Marlin_Mike]

Put your bait in a ladies stocking. They get caught in the mesh very easily.
Old Navy trick.

Hello Sailor.....................

What nowhere Bob said......... what's a navy man doing with stockings on board??? For that matter a boat load of navy guys with stockings?????????? LOL........... nothing suss I hope

Mike

[Nowhere Bob]

Very funny placement of smilies. The double stack has to be deliberate. Boy is that bottom one suprised.

[GAFYM]

Now come on guys....To be quite honest they were the best things to keep u warm on an open bridge in Winter.....THATS ALL

Anyway, these days u just ask your messmate for some.