ABOUT LOBSTERS 71 



The diameter of the eye and the rig of the eye inlet 

 affect the number and size of lobsters and crabs landed 

 as does the fitment of non-escapement devices. Further- 

 more, these effects differ with stocks of lobsters and 

 crabs of different size composition and vary with 

 changes in fishing conditions. To achieve the best re- 

 sult the creel should be matched to the circumstances 

 in which it is to be used. 9 



The escape inhibitor of the Leakey pot seems to * * 

 overcome some of the disadvantages of the wire shutter. 10 



The size of traps used for catching lobsters and 

 crabs varies considerably. The braided creel, in use 

 around Scotland, has a base diameter of roughly 27" x 

 18" and a height of 14". Generally this is the smallest 

 type, principally because it can conveniently be con- 

 structed in a small size. Traps made in wood, for in- 

 stance, slatted creels (dimensions 36" x 22" x 16") and 

 Cornish (base diameter 27", height 20") or French 

 pots (length 28", diameter 20"), are larger mainly for 

 ease in construction. It is significant that the Dutch 

 pot, which is in metal, is considerably smaller than the 

 basically similar Cornish pot, which is made from wil- 

 low. There is, in general, a preference for a larger trap 

 where crabs rather than lobsters are an important con- 

 stituent of the catch. This is mainly because crabs are 

 often caught several per trap ( exceptionally as many as 

 20 have been taken in one creel) and more room must 

 be allowed than in the case of the lobster, which is 

 much less abundant. 



Apart from allowing enough room for the catch, 

 there would appear to be material advantage in adopt- 

 ing a small trap. Its size and small weight make it easy 



9 Taken from Dr. H. J. Thomas, " A Comparison of Some Methods Used in 

 Lobster and Crab Fishing " (Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen, Scotland). 



10 See page 49. 



