Collecting in backwaters ............

[Agu]

Due to the weak economy I've been forced to take a job in retail and the weird hours that come with the territory. Would love to get some snails and hermit crabs but it depends on my schedule (weekdays off ) and the tides. Low tide is optimal. I have access to the equipment and knowledge of where to collect, just need someone with a saltwater license to hold the other end of the seining net. We'll be going to Manasota Key.

Send me an email/pm with your phone number and email address if you're interested.

 

[Agu]

Did a test run today. Using what's called a "bait net" ( they're about 4" X 6" and available at sporting goods stores for under $5) I went out into the seagrass flats at low tide and collected several dozen ceriths and hermit crabs. Also got a lot of small(tiny) shrimp, pinfish,horse shoe crabs, and misc livestock which I threw back. Although the shrimp and pinfish would have been excellent live food for carnivores I didn't want any this trip. Took only a half hour of collecting with the small net to get more critters than I needed, so I stopped by a friends on the way home and gave some away. That way I have to go again .

I'll be going out again on Sunday at around 6pm (low tide is at 7pm). A couple of people have already agreed to come along. If you'd like to join us it's behind the middle beach on Manasota Key. Pull into the parking lot and go until the road ends. If family objects you can always bring them along to swim at the public beach on the gulf side and enjoy the sunset.

 

[xxseawolf]

if you dont mind spending $15, you can go to west marine or boat us and by a shrimp net. the net is 18" round and you have a 4' pole. that way you can get more specimens and not have to bend over as far. i use to use the small bait net and it does work but very much appreciate the shrimp net. good luck. also if the grass flats are deep enough and if you go at just before sunfall you might catch some serpent stars. at the skyway one night i caught 20+ in 1 hr.

todd

 

[stankyk]

How did Sunday go? anything cool?

 

[Agu]

Lots of ceriths and hermit crabs, more than I needed. Got a few nassarius too, There were other snails I couldn't identify so I threw them back.Also caught some gobies and blennys. There were hundreds of small horseshoe crabs but my tanks are way to small for even one tiny horseshoe.

 

[barfish]

im fairly new to reef central. didnt even realize that their was a local link until today. im game to give you a hand next time your going if im not busy.drop me a pm and let me know.
thanks
jon

 

[yellowdog]

Agu,
I know of some good grass flats around Boca Grande, I know there are lots of goodies to be had as I am constantly catching all sorts in my cast net as by-catch. If there is any interest I am willing to provide a ride (boat) from the Placida ramp. There are several grass flats within a few minutes of there. I can take 3-4 at a time to the flats. LMK
Chuck

 

[xxseawolf]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12750495#post12750495 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by barfish
im fairly new to reef central. didnt even realize that their was a local link until today. im game to give you a hand next time your going if im not busy.drop me a pm and let me know.
thanks
jon

im around the corner from you and if you want snails, serpant stars, pipefish, ghost shrimp, and local gobies let me know.

todd

 

[barfish]

xxseawolf sure thing. i could use some more snails. what type of gobies do we have locally? when do you go out?