Crayfish Fishing with a Scale: How and What Equipment Do You Need?

Crayfish Fishing
Crayfish Fishing © Laurent Duclos

Fishing for crayfish with a sinker is simple, but you must follow local regulations and properly identify the species before keeping any crayfish. The technique involves placing a baited trap on the bottom, waiting a few minutes, then pulling it up sharply with a pole or by hand if fishing vertically.

The necessary equipment

The basic gear is fairly light: a valid fishing license, one or more crayfish traps, a piece of string, and often a pole with a V-shaped fork at the end for setting and retrieving the trap from a distance. The trap is a half-spherical net or one mounted on two rings, with a weighting point or a small central compartment for bait. To transport your catch, bring a bucket or cooler, and gloves can be handy if you?re handling the traps frequently.

How do you catch crayfish?

Look for spots where crayfish hide: roots, rocks, submerged branches, hollow banks, muddy areas, or cluttered spots. Place a strong-smelling bait in the center?such as liver, offal, dead fish, or even dog food?then lay the trap flat on the bottom. Wait about 5 to 10 minutes, then lift the trap smoothly and carefully to avoid scaring the crayfish away.

L'utilisation d'une perche est très utile et plus efficace.
Using a boom is very helpful and more effective.

Regulations

Regulations generally limit each angler to 6 nets, with a maximum diameter of 30 cm and a minimum mesh size of 27 mm. Fishing is permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, but the opening dates vary depending on the waterway category and the species? status. Protected native crayfish must not be caught, while non-native species must not be released alive.

Handy Tip

For effective fishing, use several fishing spots spaced a few meters apart and rotate between them if activity slows down. In cluttered areas, the V-shaped fork is truly the most convenient tool for setting and retrieving the line cleanly without disturbing the spot. Crayfish respond very well to strongly scented baits, so the consistency of the scent often matters more than the sophistication of the rig.

Une pêche facile et ludique.
Easy and fun fishing.

So, to be successful, you'll need a scale, a rod or a line for setting the bait, meat bait, and a good understanding of the fishing spot.

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