Studies on Baits for Lobsters

Mohan Rajan K.V.; Meenakumari B.; Shahul Hameed M.

doi:10.56093/ft.v32i1.23843

Authors

Mohan Rajan K.V. Central Institute of Fisheries Technology Cochin
Meenakumari B. Central Institute of Fisheries Technology Cochin
Shahul Hameed M. Cochin University of Science & Technology Cochin

https://doi.org/10.56093/ft.v32i1.23843

Keywords:

Spiny lobsters, bait preference, lobster traps

Abstract

Baits constitute an important component and represent a major expense in trap fishing for spiny lobsters. Fishing experiments were carried out with five kinds of baits namely mussel, sea urchin, cattle hocks, animal guts and diesel oil, in order to assess their efficacy in attracting lobsters. 61.2% of total catch was landed by using mussel as bait followed by diesel oil (27.7%), sea urchins (9.3%) and cattle hocks (1.7%), while animal gut was ineffective. Though mussel was the best among baits tried, in places where they are not available, diesel oil could prove to be a cheap alternative bait for lobsters.