Hoop Net
Collapsible two-hoop net baited and lowered to the bottom, then hauled up rapidly before crabs can escape — the go-to method for California spiny lobster and Pacific Dungeness crab.
Equipment
Water Type
Guide
A hoop net has two metal or plastic hoops joined by soft mesh in a shallow basket shape. The bottom hoop is weighted; the top hoop is attached to a buoy line. When it rests on the bottom, it flattens into a simple dinner plate. Crabs climb onto the bait. When you pull the line, the upper hoop lifts first — the mesh forms walls, trapping everything inside.
Tie your bait (usually a mesh bag of oily fish heads) to the center of the net. Lower gently to avoid spooking nearby crabs. Let soak 10-20 minutes per set — much shorter than pot fishing. Pull hand-over-hand in one smooth, fast motion; any pause lets crabs escape over the rim.
Work a rotation of 3-5 nets along a depth contour. Fish near structure — rock piles, kelp edges, pier pilings. 15-80ft depth is typical for Dungeness; deeper for lobster. Measure and sort as you reset each net.
Common mistakes: pulling too slow (#1 cause of empty nets), soaking too long (crabs eat bait, leave), poor knots on the hoop (loose knots = lost nets), and ignoring tide — slack tide is fishing time, strong currents sweep the net off bottom.
Pro tips: Use salmon carcasses from your morning catch — free, oily, deadly. Bring a scale-weighted bait clip so the net sits flat. On boats, mark GPS waypoints of productive ledges. In California, lobster hoop nets require a report card — log every set. Night fishing with a clip light near the net outperforms daytime in most lobster grounds.
FAQ
How does a hoop net actually work?
Two hoops are connected by mesh. On the bottom it lies flat, crabs crawl onto the bait. When pulled quickly, the net rises into a basket shape, trapping the catch inside before they can escape over the sides.
What is the best season for hoop netting?
Dungeness crab season runs November to June. California spiny lobster is March to October. Best during slack tide. Night fishing often produces significantly better catches than daytime in most areas.
What species are targeted with hoop nets?
Primarily Pacific Dungeness crabs and California spiny lobster. Occasionally other crab species and small octopus. The method is very selective when using the right bait.
How much does hoop net gear cost?
A good starter set of 3-4 nets, lines and weights costs between $90-$220. The nets are reusable for many seasons, making hoop netting one of the most cost-effective methods.
What is the most common beginner mistake?
Pulling the net too slowly. This allows crabs to escape over the rim. You must pull in one smooth, fast hand-over-hand motion without pausing.
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