Presentation of the hermit crab
The hermit crab or piade on the Mediterranean side is a crustacean which protects itself by lodging in an empty shell of various sizes throughout its life. Decapod crustacean, the hermit crab has four legs and two claws.
It is very present in the mediolittoral zone. There are different varieties of hermit crabs, more or less imposing depending on the environment in which they are found. It is most of the time of red color to black.
Collection and preservation techniques
It is very simple to collect them when you have discovered the places they frequent. They are mainly found in rocky areas, often in water bowls close to the shore. In some ports, it is also possible to find them along the quays.
It is possible to keep them for a few hours in water with a bubbler. They can also be placed in the refrigerator in a box with moistened seaweed for a few days.
Some fishing stores offer these shellfish for sale if you don't have time to harvest them yourself.
Use
The use of hermit crabs of different sizes allows to touch a wide range of fish. From sparids to bass or wolffish through all the rock fish, it is an interesting bait especially when the waters start to warm up.
To extract the hermit crab from its shell, you just have to break the shell gently with a rock or a small hammer. A bait that can be used with most techniques, surfcasting fishing, float fishing or fishing with a wedge, and even to fish from a boat with a longline.
The size of the hooks used will depend on the size of the proposed bite. As a general rule, we use hooks N°6 to 2. The hook should be pricked in the abdomen, it is possible to propose several individuals on the same hook according to their sizes.
