Reef fish cannot resist a hermit crab bait.
Finding and catching hermit crabs was a fun adventure all on its own. It provided me with a great excuse to walk and explore the bushes and rock formations where hermit crabs tend to live. Peering under rocks I used a stick to pull any crabs there towards me and placed them in a bucket or burlap sack. If fishing for an hour or two 10-15 crabs should be enough.
Fortunate for the hermit crabs there are many large empty whelk shells. Having one that is clean and just the right size is vital for a crab. As they grow they are always on the lookout for a bigger and better shell. They will use other items in a pinch. I’ve seen one wearing an old elongated blue bleach bottle cap and another wearing a plumbing pvc end cap fitting.
My mother collected shells and occasionally a crab would find one of her treasured pieces and proudly walk around the property with its new shiny home on its back.
To get a crab to willingly leave its shell can be a bit of a challenge. Here is a trick you can try.
Place the crab in an aquarium with a few new clean shells that are about the same size but a hint larger than the one it is currently using. You may get a chance to see it try on the different shells just like you would try on your clothes or shoes when shopping.
They climb out of the shell and back into the new one. They walk around testing it out. If it feels right they keep on walking. If it has an issue they discard it and climb into their old shell.
Learning new information each new segment I read. Really enjoying your blog and the pictures!
Thank you! I like doing it. Glad you are enjoying them.