CrabHawk FAQ

 

  • What is the CrabHawk made of:
    The CrabHawk has a stainless steel frame and axel covered with nylon netting. It has an 60 pound test, monofilament harness with a heavy duty swivel.
  • What type of rod/reel/line do I used:
    – We recommend using a medium to heavy action rod or fishing pole with a stiff backbone and a sensitive tip. – The reel should be large enough to comfortably seat onto the rod and suitable for saltwater use. It should be a heavy duty reel, as the weight when retrieving the CrabHawk full of crab or lobster can be rather heavy, (we recommend a Quantum XR70 or better, Diawa 4500-5000 series, the Shakespeare Tidewater, just to name a few). – We recommend using 50 pound test (minimum) or greater, braided line (Power Pro is awesome). This line is much better than monofilament because it has no memory and doesn’t stretch. Also, when monofilament is scratched or nicked, it tends to break quickly, where braided line does not.
  • What kind of knot should I use when fastening the swivel to my line:
    – Use a Blood Knot or other kind of strong fishing knot you are comfortable with. The internet and your local sporting goods store can help you determine which knot to use.
  • How does it work:
    – Once the CrabHawk is baited and securely fastened to the line on your rod, you are able to cast it out “Where the BIG ONES lay.” It is spring loaded, enabling the CrabHawk to open before it gets to the floor of the body of water you are crabbing. Once on the bottom, the key is to reel up the slack to where your rod tip is slightly bent (ensure it’s not too tight, as you don’t want to close the CrabHawk). – Once you are ready to retrieve the CrabHawk, keep the line taught and pull back on your rod and reel it in. If you allow the line to go slack the CrabHawk may open and the crab/lobster may get away. – It is “crab & lobster friendly” and is much more sporting than anything else we’ve seen out there.
  • How do I know I have crab or lobster in the CrabHawk:
    – The bait post is attached directly to your line. When the crab or lobster tears at the bait, it shakes/jerks the baitpost and your line. Consequently, your rod tip reacts to this movement, causing action on your rod tip. Once you begin seeing action on your rod tip, give the crab or lobster a moment or two to get situated in the CrabHawk before retrieving it. Usually, more crab or lobster will come running to get their piece of dinner!
  • How do I store the CrabHawk:
    – The CrabHawk is small, collapsible and easy to store. – It requires little care and upkeep. – When you are done crabbing or catching lobster, be sure to rinse your gear with fresh water then let it dry. Store your CrabHawk in its original packaging or in a large Zip-Lock bag until the next outing. Secure your rod/reel in a dry, safe place.
  • Who can use it:
    – The CrabHawk can be used by anyone able to fish for bass, catfish, Salmon, Steelhead, Striper or any other medium to large sport fish. – It may be used by people with disabilities. – It’s especially fun for kids and parents will be happy becuase the kids are staying busy and focused. – It’s great for fun for everyone!
  • Why should I use the CrabHawk over other crab catchers, snares snares, rings or pots:
    – Snares can harm the crab or lobster by tearing off their legs and pinchers. They are not as reliable as the CrabHawk because the crab or lobster must have a leg or pincher in the loop(s) for the crab or lobster to get caught. You may be unable to tell if a crab or lobster is in its snare, unlike the CrabHawk – where you see the action on the tip of your rod. – Rings are bulky, messy and sometimes difficult to transport and store. Again, you’re unable to tell if a crab is in the ring and you play the waiting game. – Pots are bulky, messy and also difficult to transport and store. Again, you are unable to tell if a crab/lobster is in the pot and there you are playing that waiting game again. Some portions of a crabbing / lobster season may not allow pots to be used, where the CrabHawk may be allowed for crabbing year round (on the West Coast of the US).
  • Remember to check your state and local regulations.