Catching a Mantis Shrimp (In the Ocean)

[Msby12]

okay, over the summer, i'm going to be participating in a program that takes us to Catalina Island and basically lets us kayak and snorkel all we want.

my question is, how likely is it to find a Hemisquilla Californiensis? and if i find one, would it be possible to use a snare method to catch it?

the snare is a PVC pipe with a loop of heavy duty fishing line going through it.

 

[DanInSD]

Finding is easy. I saw a few in the sand/mud flats just outside of Henrock Reef when I was diving there last summer. Not sure how hard it will be to capture it once you've found it.

Actually, that was at about 40-45 ft depth, too deep for snorkeling. Catalina has *very* steep offshore terrain -- ten yards offshore can be in 60-90 feet of water. Finding a H. c. that is snorkel-accessible will be a challenge. You may well be a better free-diver than I am, tho.

The better question is, what are you going to do with it? They are difficult/impossible to keep in captivity for any reasonable duration, and require a refrigerated aquarium. Barbeque, perhaps?

 

[Gonodactylus]

Hemisquilla burrows generally occur deeper than 30 feet. I have seen a few at 20, but that is as shallow as they typically get. However, they will make foraging excursions into shallower water. Snorkel in 5-10 fee of water very early in the morning or late afternoon. I have also seen them out on full moon night.

Actually, you are more likely to see Pseudosquillopsis marmorata. This species is truly nocturnal, but does forage in fairly shallow water at night. You will need a dive light and a net. They are almost impossible to noose.

Roy

 

[Msby12]

darn, oh well

Dan, there is no way that i could possibly dive that deep, and i am not a good free diver!

Dr. Caldwell, i will try snorkeling in the 5-10 ft range, but when you say early morning do you mean still dark out? and late afternoon would be 3-5 pm?

my other idea was fishing with a rod and reel with a simple hook and sinker, using live caught shore crabs as bait, would that work?

 

[KhawMengLee]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9807177#post9807177 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Msby12


my other idea was fishing with a rod and reel with a simple hook and sinker, using live caught shore crabs as bait, would that work?

That would probably be like the time I reeled in a lobster/crayfish at Cottesloe beach in Perth, Western Australia. I got him all the way in but the minute he surfaced with the bait he let go.


You could build a large trap. Eg. take one of those huge bottles that water coolers have. Cut the top third of it off. Put in a crab and then inverse the top and secure it in place with a wire. Drop it to the bottom and then wait.

You'll probably catch a octopus too.

 

[Msby12]

i've seen people catch Hemisquilla Californiensis with rod and reel before, and actually land it, and they throw it in the water as i'm yelling "NOO!!!"

water cooler idea would be cool, too bad i can't use any octopus for bait or anything, unless i wanna pay a $500 fine

 

[trae]

When i was living in California there was a report of anglers catching them all the time on hooks with worm and squid, maybe sardines too.

 

[Msby12]

how long ago was this? i've only seen it happen twice!

PS: Moving to Iowa must've been a big feat!