Weight for crabbing hoop nets.

how much weight are you guys putting down with the nets? I know it depends on the current but was wondering what a good starting weight would be.

Thanks!
-Renzo

I dont crab very deep, so I use no weight at all on my hoops or traps.

I added 3# by attaching 2 18" pieces of 5/8 rebar bent to the inside of the larger hoop.   

i zip tie 24oz balls to the bottom center. mostly hold in place. enough anyway.

Sweet Thank you guys!  Just got 3 nets yesterday and hope to go out tomorrow to HMB and try my luck before going in to work.

I’ve attached three pieces of pvc(1” diameter) Along the base of my hoop. They’re 9” long, filled with sand, and sealed with end caps. Has it helped? I can’t say... been out twice this November to HMB, and left with no keepers   

I do the same with my traps, but use four pieces instead of three. Had success last season

I’ve attached three pieces of pvc(1” diameter) Along the base of my hoop. They’re 9” long, filled with sand, and sealed with end caps. Has it helped? I can’t say... been out twice this November to HMB, and left with no keepers   

I do the same with my traps, but use four pieces instead of three. Had success last season

I did this to my traps last season and realized that the inevitable pocket of air within after sealing the caps will create buoyancy--probably not enough to make it neutral or positive, but enough to counteract some of the weight. Sand isn't very dense to begin with. I think the rebar is the way to go, even if it rusts. Will take years to break down and rust enough to matter.

3 feet of 1/2" rebar weighs about 2 lbs. Added that much to my 32" conical hoops and had them stay put in 160 FOW in moderate swell for 2 hours.

4lb downrigger ball - $11 on amazon

or I use a 5lb diving weight

4lb diving weight.

...I think the rebar is the way to go, even if it rusts....

I painted my rebar to prevent rust.

Since I’m pretty much stuck with the hoopnet cause I’m picking it up every 15min…. I don’t bother adding weight. Arms become jello by the end of the day…

I’ve attached three pieces of pvc(1” diameter) Along the base of my hoop. They’re 9” long, filled with sand, and sealed with end caps. Has it helped? I can’t say... been out twice this November to HMB, and left with no keepers   

I do the same with my traps, but use four pieces instead of three. Had success last season

I did this to my traps last season and realized that the inevitable pocket of air within after sealing the caps will create buoyancy--probably not enough to make it neutral or positive, but enough to counteract some of the weight. Sand isn't very dense to begin with. I think the rebar is the way to go, even if it rusts. Will take years to break down and rust enough to matter.

3 feet of 1/2" rebar weighs about 2 lbs. Added that much to my 32" conical hoops and had them stay put in 160 FOW in moderate swell for 2 hours.

Noted! Thanks for the insight and experienced perspective!

Since I’m pretty much stuck with the hoopnet cause I’m picking it up every 15min…. I don’t bother adding weight. Arms become jello by the end of the day…

Mount a bicycle wheel to your kayak, use that as a poor man's puller. Got the idea from here:


My original intent was to reuse my diy crawdad traps for coonstripe shrimp and needed a way to easily pull 200+ft of rope without passing out. As it happens, the bicycle wheel was *very* effective. My kids have no trouble pulling up ~25lbs from 200ft deep.

Yes, I'm posting a lot cause my outboard is still in the shop.....

Went out to HMB this morning and was able to pull up 2 keepers.  First catch on the kayak!  Very excited!

Thanks for the tips y'all!

Went out to HMB this morning and was able to pull up 2 keepers.  First catch on the kayak!  Very excited!

Thanks for the tips y'all!

Way to go! Nothing like a little success for motivation.