Bugging Tips - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Saba Slayer · 09-27-2013, 07:49 AM

If you are using flat (classic) style nets you don't need a very long soak time. It's really easy for the lobsters and crabs to get to the bait...they simply walk across the netting and start eating...so 15 minutes to 1/2 hour is usually enough time to get some visitors.
With the conical nets you are best off giving them a little longer soak time as the lobsters and crabs must figure out how to get up and into the net to start eating. 1/2 hour up to 2 hours of soak time is sometimes needed. I've watched with an underwater camera as the Bugs circle the conical style net and then leave as they can't figure out how to get in, and the next Bug walks right up and over the net as if he got the memo.
Jim / Saba Slayer

Raskal311 · 09-27-2013, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saba Slayer

If you are using flat (classic) style nets you don't need a very long soak time. It's really easy for the lobsters and crabs to get to the bait...they simply walk across the netting and start eating...so 15 minutes to 1/2 hour is usually enough time to get some visitors.
With the conical nets you are best off giving them a little longer soak time as the lobsters and crabs must figure out how to get up and into the net to start eating. 1/2 hour up to 2 hours of soak time is sometimes needed. I've watched with an underwater camera as the Bugs circle the conical style net and then leave as they can't figure out how to get in, and the next Bug walks right up and over the net as if he got the memo.
Jim / Saba Slayer

So which net style do you perfer?

Deamon · 09-27-2013, 08:08 AM

There's plenty of opinions...here's mine. If you're on shallow spots, flats work great. Jettys, eel grass beds, rocks, shoreline, shopping carts

, sunken boats

, etc...easy for the bug to enter a flat trap, then pull your trap up quick and steady. They'll either hold on to the netting and come up for the ride or they kick around trying to escape. The faster you pull, the better your chances of them not shooting out during the haul up.

If you're in deeper water, maybe 20' and more, I definitely prefer conicals. Someone mentioned it in another post. There's nothing better than feeling the thump of a larger bug trying to exit a conical, but they actually get caught up in the fold of the net. I've got to think bugs shoot out of flat traps fairly easily as they are pulled from any depth...Jim

danjor · 09-27-2013, 10:32 AM

Super soaker I need to get one. Had some idiot try to run me over with his boat multiple times last year to get me to leave my spot. Would have been perfect to soak him with cold water.

DocHaole · 09-27-2013, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danjor

Super soaker I need to get one. Had some idiot try to run me over with his boat multiple times last year to get me to leave my spot. Would have been perfect to soak him with cold water.

I'm not sure a super soaker is a great idea. In general when dealing with powerboats, divers and sea lions we need to recognize we have the disadvantage. Escalating a confrontation puts the kayaker at the greatest risk for injury, not worth it over a couple bugs.

ful-rac · 09-27-2013, 11:40 AM

If there is a boater that is really trying to run you down, call the harbor patrol...they'll take care of his ass.

Dont mess with divers either...even if they are in the wrong, you start talking shit, your bouys will be floating away. You lose

Raskal311 · 09-27-2013, 12:23 PM

How about a spear gun in the line of sight just as a deterrent?

09-27-2013, 07:49 AM	#1
Saba Slayer Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Palos Verdes Posts: 1,871	How Long If you are using flat (classic) style nets you don't need a very long soak time. It's really easy for the lobsters and crabs to get to the bait...they simply walk across the netting and start eating...so 15 minutes to 1/2 hour is usually enough time to get some visitors. With the conical nets you are best off giving them a little longer soak time as the lobsters and crabs must figure out how to get up and into the net to start eating. 1/2 hour up to 2 hours of soak time is sometimes needed. I've watched with an underwater camera as the Bugs circle the conical style net and then leave as they can't figure out how to get in, and the next Bug walks right up and over the net as if he got the memo. Jim / Saba Slayer

09-27-2013, 08:08 AM	#3
Deamon Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 1,972	There's plenty of opinions...here's mine. If you're on shallow spots, flats work great. Jettys, eel grass beds, rocks, shoreline, shopping carts , sunken boats , etc...easy for the bug to enter a flat trap, then pull your trap up quick and steady. They'll either hold on to the netting and come up for the ride or they kick around trying to escape. The faster you pull, the better your chances of them not shooting out during the haul up. If you're in deeper water, maybe 20' and more, I definitely prefer conicals. Someone mentioned it in another post. There's nothing better than feeling the thump of a larger bug trying to exit a conical, but they actually get caught up in the fold of the net. I've got to think bugs shoot out of flat traps fairly easily as they are pulled from any depth...Jim __________________ Recreational Fisherman's Catch...2% Commercial Fisherman's Catch- 98% Recreational Fishing Kayakers Catch- .00001% "The reality is that the wall was built to keep all Asians ~specifically Japanese and those that think they're japanese~ out of the U.S"

09-27-2013, 11:40 AM	#6
ful-rac Emperor Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buena Park Posts: 3,649	If there is a boater that is really trying to run you down, call the harbor patrol...they'll take care of his ass. Dont mess with divers either...even if they are in the wrong, you start talking shit, your bouys will be floating away. You lose __________________ There's nothing colder than yesterday's hotdog.

09-27-2013, 12:23 PM	#7
Raskal311 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Santa Ana/Westminster Posts: 1,256	How about a spear gun in the line of sight just as a deterrent? __________________ Kevin Yellow PA12

09-27-2013, 10:32 AM	#4
danjor Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Riverside CA Posts: 673	Super soaker I need to get one. Had some idiot try to run me over with his boat multiple times last year to get me to leave my spot. Would have been perfect to soak him with cold water.