bringing on peelers

[Eddie H]

Guys,

Just wondering if anyone had "their" way of bringing on peelers to the point of casting their shells.
Got 15 cracking velvet peelers this morning and didnot want to lose them or freeze with the shell on. I've never managed to master the art of shelling peelers in my 44 years 30+ fishing.

Any tips more than appreciated.

Eddie

[Eddie H]

Cheers Mako,

I remember years ago having a bucket and airpump. Thought things may have evolved since then. I'll give it a bash. I prefer softies, as less hassle, and just caught as many cod with them.

Came across a huge amount of bendies today, just a few days too late for them, nevermind. Better prepared next year.

TTFN ....Eddie

[tonybax]

velvets are a lot harder to keep alive than ordinary peelers.

[adam.d]

Don't forget velvets can't breathe out of water like "normal" green peelers can

best way to bring them on mate will be plenty of oxygenated water and slight warmth.

[Billzo]

as already been said m8 velvets dont last 2 long out of water so ya best bet is 2 have a tank of sea water around 6 inches deep with strong air pump. i also have a 5 gallon bucket full of sea water 2 the top with strong air pump, long air stone. then i just put my velvets from my tank in2 the trum for a few hours a day this brings them on faster as the pressure of all that water pressing on the crab is like high water.
be sure 2 snap the top segment of the claws off 2 stop the velvets fighting.
had no probs bringing velvets on this way but u will still loss a few.
good luck.

[Eddie H]

Guys,

Never knew about the velvets not being able to create a "Bubble sphere", or a labarynth.

Lost 11 out of 15 in 3 hours. Shelled them and froze. Not to worry. Know now for the next batches I collect over the coming week or so.

Eddie