How to Reduce Bait Waste and Maximise Your Lobster Catch

Introduction

Bait waste is one of the biggest drains on a lobster fisher’s resources. Fortunately, there are techniques and tools available to help reduce this waste while simultaneously boosting catch rates.

Understanding Bait Waste

• Over-Baiting: Placing excessive amounts of bait leads to unnecessary costs and quick depletion of resources.

• Poor Timing: Lobsters are most active at certain times; bait left in the pot outside these periods may be eaten by non-target species or degrade before it’s effective.

Techniques to Reduce Waste

1. Use a Smart Bait-Release Device: Systems like the Bait Saviour Bait Container control when and how much bait is released, preventing bait from being devoured by unwanted species.

2. Optimise Soak Times: Carefully plan how long you leave pots in the water. Shorter or more strategically timed soaks can help preserve bait for when lobsters are most active.

3. Monitor Pot Activity: If you notice that pots are coming up empty or only partially baited, adjust your bait quantity accordingly.

How to Maximise Your Catch

• Targeted Deployment: Use real-time data from devices like Hub-1 to identify prime fishing locations and avoid wasted effort.

• Regular Maintenance: Check gear for wear and tear. Broken traps can result in escapees and more bait wastage.

• Quality Bait: Although controlling costs is important, using high-quality bait can attract more lobsters efficiently.

Conclusion

Reducing bait waste and boosting lobster catch go hand in hand. By integrating smart technologies such as the Bait Saviour system and following best practices in pot deployment, you can enhance efficiency and profitability while preserving precious resources.