It’s long been known that pine batten craypots catch better than jarrah slat pots, particularly when the whites are running, and although there are as many theories as there are fishermen, nobody really understands why.
While almost impossible to quantify accurately, I’d guess pine catches around 25% more at its peak, but is a far less important factor after the ‘whites’ season in December/January.
Pine pots ‘soak’ faster and fish earlier, so if you’re only fishing for a few days, pine may help increase catch rates with the shorter times in the water.
But leave pine in the ocean for more than a few months, and it will get hammered by the Toredo worm, which grows quickly and eats away at the timber.
One option used to extend the life of a pine pot is to pull it out periodically and leave it on deck for a couple days in the sun to kill everything.
Personally, I like jarrah top battens and lift rails (thicker rail on each side) and pine battens on the sides and gate. The jarrah battens hold the pot together so the pot doesn’t disintegrate when you decide to change your pine battens over and your catch is catch optimized.
Oh – and don’t ever use treated pine to re-clad your pot. Crays just won’t go near it!
How to Get the Best of Both Worlds with Pine and Jarrah
Most experienced cray fishermen do not choose one timber exclusively; they combine both. Using jarrah for the top battens and lift rails gives the pot structural strength and longevity, while pine on the sides and gate maximizes catch performance during peak season. This way, when the pine battens eventually need replacing, the jarrah frame holds everything together, and you are not rebuilding the whole pot from scratch.
Protecting Pine Craypot Battens from Teredo Worm
Teredo worm is the main enemy of pine craypots. If left in the water for more than a few months, the worm bores into the timber quickly and causes serious damage. The simplest way to manage this is to pull your pots periodically and leave them on deck in the sun for a couple of days; the heat and exposure kill the worm and extend the life of your battens significantly. Avoid treated pine entirely, as crayfish will not enter a pot clad with it.
FAQs
Do pine craypots really catch more crayfish than jarrah?
Yes, particularly during the ‘whites’ season in December and January. Pine is estimated to catch around 25% more crayfish at peak times. Outside of that season, the difference is much less significant.
Why do pine craypots soak faster than jarrah?
Pine absorbs water and takes on scent more readily than jarrah, which helps attract crayfish sooner after the pot is set. This makes pine a better choice when you are only fishing for a short period and need quicker results.
How long can you leave a pine craypot in the water?
No more than a few months at a time. Beyond that, Toredo worm begins to eat through the timber. Pull the pot out periodically and leave it in the sun for a couple of days to kill the worm and extend the batten life.
Can I use treated pine to reclad my craypot?
No. Crayfish avoid treated pine. If you reclad your pot with it, your catch rates will drop significantly. Always use untreated pine for craypot battens.
What is the best combination of timber for a craypot?
Jarrah for the top battens and lift rails for structural strength, and pine on the sides and gate for better catch performance. This setup gives you durability and keeps your pot fishing well during peak season.