How to Make a Knot for Crab Fishing

Crab image by matko from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Crabs live at the bottom of oceans, lakes and bays. There are a variety of crab species, including lined shore crab, spider crab, kelp crab and pea crabs, and they can range in size from 1/2 inch to nearly 39 inches long. To fish for crabs, you’ll need a crab net, which must be securely tied using a knot such as the bowline knot. If you don't tie your knots correctly, the crabs you caught will be home in time for dinner--theirs, not yours.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

How to Tie a Bowline Knot

Things You’ll Need:

Rope
Zip ties
Knife
Crab net
Metal ring

Step 1

Pull the tag end of a braided nylon cord into a loop, approximately 6 inches from the tip. You need enough length away from the tip of the rope to create a bowline knot.

Step 2

Create the first part of the knot by pulling the tag end of the rope through the loop you made in step 1. You will only be using the tag end, or free end, of the rope; not the standing rope.

Step 3

Pull the tag end of the rope around the front of the standing rope. Circle it all the way around until it is flush with the loop.

Step 4

Pull the tag end of the rope through the loop, passing it down into the loop and away from the standing rope. Pull down on the tag end to tighten and finish the bowline knot.

How to Attach a Net for Crab Fishing

Step 1

Cut three pieces of 13-inch-long rope with a knife.

Step 2

Attach each of the three pieces to the outer ring of the crab net using the bowline knot. Attach each piece of rope a third of the way along the outer ring, so each is evenly spaced.

Step 3

Add a zip tie to each knot for added reinforcement for heavy crab loads.

Step 4

Gather the free end of each of the three pieces of rope in your hands. Tie each piece of rope individually to a metal ring, preferably one with a 1/2- to 1-inch diameter.

Step 5

Tie a larger rope to the metal ring using a bowline knot. Depending on where and how deep you will be casting the crab net, use at least 15 to 30 feet of rope to ensure the net reaches the bottom.

Tips & Warnings

Metal rings are available at fish and tackle stores.

Double-check that each of the three pieces of rope is securely attached before casting your crab net into the water.

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...