Dealing with flag/float line handle while lobstering

[Scuba-74]

I'm a newbie MA lobster license holder (1st season), so forgive me for asking a question that was probably asked before. I searched, and I couldn't get an answer that would help me.

I've gone out 2-3 times already, including yesterday, and I just can't figure out a proper technique for dealing with the flag handle while trying to catch lobster. I carry a tickle stick in my left hand, and I'm catching bugs with my right hand. Sometimes I also use flashlight, but for simplicity let's ignore that for now. Where does the flag handle go when I try to tickle, grab, and measure?

I tried attaching it to the upper right D-ring of my BC on 1 or 2 dives, but I know that it's considered bad practice, especially in spots with boat traffic. It was also a PITA to roll/unroll/buckle/unbuckle. Keeping it in my hands is not an option either - I need both of them to do the task. I have let go off the handle a few times (sometimes on purpose, sometimes in a heat of the moment), with different outcomes. In the worst case, I had to abort a dive, ascend, and chase the flag on the surface.

My next plan is to attach a weight that would keep the handle neutrally buoyant and then "suspend" it for a few seconds in hopes to find it where I left it, but it's seems a bit iffy too. I'm sure anyone who has been doing it for a few seasons has some kind of solution for this issue. Any tips/tricks would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Johnoly]

We use a 2 prong reef hook and the reel is heavy enough that if no current it stays on the sand. When setting the reef hook, I set it upstream 10 feet and directly in line with where I expect my tanks to be while working the bug. That way if the hook comes loose ( and it does 5% of the time!!) the hook should hit your body so you feel it and can grab it. I know many hunters set it down stream so they can stuff the bug and pick the hook on the way out of the work hole. I don't like the single prong hook because they always wiggle loose and the 3 prong is too wide to slide down between 2 nesting rocks. If you want to talk about how much "scope" to let out,,,,,,,that's an entire new thread with the anchor pulling bitches yelling about scope and length. (I've been an anchor bitch, it ain't fun)

 

[Scuba-74]

Thanks for the reply, Johnoly! I never thought about anchoring the reel/handle, but it indeed sounds like the best option. So you are using something like this?

http://www.makospearguns.com//v/vspfiles/photos/MRH-2.jpg

I'm not sure how scope/length plays into it. Just from the perspective that there more scope you let out the less chance of the hook getting loose?

 

[mmerriman]

NEVER attach the flag to yourself. I put an ankle weight around the handle and just drop it when I need my hand free to get the bugs. you could attach any weight - but eh ankle weights are very convenient.

 

[Scuba-74]

I put an ankle weight around the handle and just drop it when I need my hand free to get the bugs. you could attach any weight - but eh ankle weights are very convenient.

How much weight do you put, about 1lb?

 

[tkaelin]

My handle or reel for the line is metal, I think lead and I just place it on the bottom when I need to. Probably weighs 1-2 lbs.

 

[gulfwiskey]

So not in the northeast, but still lobstering none the less, I'll attach my flag/buoy line to my lobster motel and then have it clipped to me. I get that a lot of peeps so that this is a no no, so you could do the same, place said weight in the motel and just hold it until you need both hands, at which time you can just drop the motel and have stay on the floor.

 

[scubadada]

I don't think putting a weight on your reel would work effectively in SE Florida, too much current and pull on the line. You'd be watching your line, reel, and weight disappear into the distance. We all use a reef hook attached to our reel. I use a good size single prong hook, @Johnoly uses a double, some use a triple. I don't set my hook into the sand, don't think that would work for me

 

[Scuba-74]

So not in the northeast, but still lobstering none the less, I'll attach my flag/buoy line to my lobster motel and then have it clipped to me. I get that a lot of peeps so that this is a no no, so you could do the same, place said weight in the motel and just hold it until you need both hands, at which time you can just drop the motel and have stay on the floor.

I like that! At least no one will be able to say I came back with an empty bag!

 

[Johnoly]

.. So you are using something like this?

Mine has a better grab than the curved ones and a wider angle to wedge in

It's here at Dixie Divers
Scuba Diving Gear, Classes and Dive , snorkel Charters. - Lobstering Gear - Marine Sports Double Reef Hook

...Just from the perspective that there more scope you let out the less chance of the hook getting loose?

Exactly !!
Wave action on the surface with a straight up and down line will yank any hook right out of a loose grab.....and then you are chasing a flying hook if in current.
You want just enough scope to put some constant tension on the line but not so it sags. But even then I still lose one and have to chase it down wasting valuable bug hunting time.