Peeler Crab

[Riddor]

Ok Guys

How do you identify a peeler crab and where do they normally reside?

Riddor

[stotty]

hi mate. im no expert on peelers but i`ll give it a go. peelers go thru several phases. the ones that have just begun to peel or are ready to start peeling wont be as obvious, so the best way to check is pick them up and have a feel. they`ll feel soft, almost spongy and may have a crazing or crackled effect to their shell. some people use what i suppose is a controversial method of checking, whereby they break a small section of a leg off and if a clear liquidy substance oozes out its not ready, if a semi-solid, jelly-like material stays intact then you`ve found a peeler.

Other peelers are in a more advanced stage of peeling where its far more obvious to spot if they`re ready. occasionally you`ll find peelers that are sometimes known as softies. these are completely peeled and are in a vulnerable jelly-like state, these are a really good find and ready for the hook.

As for where you`ll find em, i believe the best places are rock pools and in amongst and under clusters of rocks. some people anchor old tyres down and leave them. the crabs will gather inside and you just harvest the peelers, not too sure how legal this is though, might wanna check.

hope this helped but like i said, im no expert so one of the other guys may come along and shoot me down in flames, haha! good luck mate, stotty!:thumbsup:

[Riddor]

Thanks for the info Stotty, will go foraging the next time I am away fishing.

Riddor