How Do I Set My Lobster Hoops?
- 1). Find a location to set your nets. Look for 18 to 20 feet of water near rocky shorelines, piers or other areas with lots of hiding spots. Lobsters feed at night and hide during the day; plan on hoop netting at dusk or after dark. Use a flashlight to find your nets in the water.
- 2). Attach one bait mackerel to the bottom of the hoop net by threading a zip tie through its eye socket and the bottom of the hoop net from a kayak or small boat. Bait cages are also an option in areas where seals or other creatures may steal the bait. Attach the bait to the hoop net even if you plan on using the bait pockets at the bottom of the net, which will limit the chance of losing the bait.
- 3). Lower the net slowly over the side of the boat by letting out more and more line until the float at the end of the line sits on the water's surface. Do not use a line longer than the depth of water in which you are hoop netting; longer lines may become caught in your boat engine.
- 4). Return to check the hoop net after you have set all your nets. Use a fish hook to grab the line to pull the hoop net up easier if you cannot reach it. Pull up the net slowly and steadily, and bait it again it if the bait is gone. Pull any lobsters out of the net while wearing gloves.
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