Let’s talk hooping

[Mahigeer]

Originally Posted by Harry Hill

I haven't been bitten either but my friend showed me how strong their mouth is if you get your finger in there.

I have the eclipse, I will attach the harness to the lower hoop, I can see how lifting it from the upper hoop you pull the bars loose, something I was worried about so thanks for pointing that out. Do the cords with the hooks on the bars hook to the top hoop or the small center hoop to keep it centered?

They hook to the top after going around the bottom ring when new; but the cords stretch when get old. I started using zip-ties to attach the legs via a small hole to the bottom ring. It takes longer, but it is the best way to keep the net together.
In the conical nets the center hole is always in the center of the net. However, in the flat nets, it is possible for the center ring to sit next to the edge of the big ring. Thus, it is a good idea to use a special bait cage to insure the cage it is always in the center. Of the big ring.
The book is a necessary addition to any lobster hunter. My comparison of various nets is just that, comparison. Each have a function.

[Harry Hill]

Originally Posted by Mahigeer

They hook to the top after going around the bottom ring when new; but the cords stretch when get old. I started using zip-ties to attach the legs via a small hole to the bottom ring. It takes longer, but it is the best way to keep the net together.
In the conical nets the center hole is always in the center of the net. However, in the flat nets, it is possible for the center ring to sit next to the edge of the big ring. Thus, it is a good idea to use a special bait cage to insure the cage it is always in the center. Of the big ring.
The book is a necessary addition to any lobster hunter. My comparison of various nets is just that, comparison. Each have a function.

they are hooks, I thought they might go to the top ring to keep the legs on tight but they are stretched.I have a couple of weeks to get things figured out. My kayak is an old town predator so plenty of room behind the seat to stack traps. I will probably leave them set up until the end of the season so I guess the zip ties will be a good idea.Thank you.

[Saba Slayer]

Use zip ties and cut the bungees and hooks off and you’ll be much happier...those hooks often get snagged on the other stacked nets...drill holes near the end of the legs if they don’t already have them...the eclipse is a 36” net...we designed the 32” Ambush nets for the small boat or kayak and it’s a vastly improved version of the conical net.
I’d get rid of those clunky Eclipse if you decide to stick with the sport...

[Harry Hill]

Originally Posted by Saba Slayer

Use zip ties and cut the bungees and hooks off and you’ll be much happier...those hooks often get snagged on the other stacked nets...drill holes near the end of the legs if they don’t already have them...the eclipse is a 36” net...we designed the 32” Ambush nets for the small boat or kayak and it’s a vastly improved version of the conical net.
I’d get rid of those clunky Eclipse if you decide to stick with the sport...

the hooks do get snagged on everything, they might be a good idea when the hoops are new but now they are a pain in the tail. Right now I have to stick with the eclipse, the worst thing about being retired is no matter how many hours you work there is no overtime pay. At least for this season unless things really get bad they will work. I'll probably start replacing them a couple at a time as I need to.

[Mahigeer]

I liked the ease of transport of Eclipse nets to Catalina Mole. I even cut two in half and used electrical connectors
with set screw to re-assemble them once on the island.

Now I use Ambush ones. The lighter version.

In the picture you can see the homemade bait tube from PVC drain pipe and caps.
By using the Promar clips, the use of zip-ties is eliminated.

Ohhh……. good old days.



Note the clips of the bridle are attached to the bottom ring. A thicker rope is easier on the hands too.

[socal.beach.bum]

Never had a chance to go out myself in all my years kayaking but hoping to change that this year.

What size floats do you generally use for your ambush nets? I got a few of the smaller 32” so was wondering if the 11” red and whites were sufficient? Also is 100’ of line overkill?

[Mahigeer]

100 feet of rope is not an overkill, but with kayak it is much harder to pull the net than boats.
Thus, I would avoid areas deeper than 100 feet. A great help for kayak is Scotty pull arm.

There are kits available that comes with float, rope, bait cage, etc. Since the rope runs through the bullet shaped float, the weight or size of the net does not matter.
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/prom...se-rigging-kit

Make sure your fishing license number is printed on the float. A reflective tape helps finding the floats in the dark with flashlight.

A powerful flashlight is a must. I forgot to mention it before.

An Ahi green chemical light stick is a good addition to the floats as well.

I learned this from Jim (Saba Slayer) at one of his seminars:
Drill a 3/4" hole long enough at the flat end of the float. The hole should be off-center and close to the edge of the float. Insert a 4 oz. torpedo sinker in the hole. Use a wine cork to plug the hole.
Next, in 180 degrees opposite of the hole location, and on the top of the float (the long way) drill a ½" hole about 3-4” deep. This is where the Ahi Chemical light stick would sit.

The sinker acts as a ballast or keel on a boat. Thus, the light stick is always on top of the float and visible.

There are ways to keep the extra length of the rope from floating and grabbing boat propellers, but they too long to write about.