It’s octopus catching time!
The most common octopus caught in and around Perth waters is Octopus tetricus, otherwise known as the gloomy octopus. This is a fast-growing, hard-living animal who has a short life span – generally around a year. The blokes die soon after mating and the girls after hatching the thousands of eggs which they lay in protected caves.
They are commonly found amongst rubble, in seagrass beds and on rocky coastal reefs. You can generally pick their home by the bivalve shells scattered around its entrance. Unfortunately for these animals they are fantastic eating and when fresh make the best jewie bait.
There are two main types of octopus traps – trigger pots and shelter pots. Trigger pots are much more efficient but also a lot more expensive, hard to haul and require maintenance to ensure the doors don’t get jammed. I’m also not really comfortable with leaving a trapped animal for long periods if you can’t pull the traps for whatever reason.
A much simpler and cheaper option is to set up a short string of shelter-style octopus traps clipped onto a line which can be pulled whenever you have the time or suitable weather. This way the occi live and grow peaceably in their shelter pot until you decide to pull them up.
A quick tip on getting occi out of the shelter pot – a sprinkle of salt generally results in a rapid exit, and when it comes out don’t lift the animal up from the floor unless you want a wrestling match, just grab the head and slice cleanly at the base – humane and quick.
We’ve got a load of new shelter pots just in, along with all the gear you need like ropes, floats and bait, so drop in and see us or call for more information.
Key Features & Benefits
- Premium Durability: These shelter pots feature solid steel rings and high-grade Sapphire netting, ensuring they last significantly longer than budget 4mm galvanized alternatives.
- Locally Engineered: Designed and manufactured in Bunbury specifically to withstand harsh WA coastal conditions.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike trigger pots, these have no mechanical parts, eliminating the risk of jammed doors and making them incredibly easy to haul.
- Cost-Effective: Exceptional durability means fewer replacements, delivering much better long-term value for your money.
Everything You Need to Know Before Catching Octopus in Perth
Shelter pots are the go-to choice for recreational fishermen around Perth; they are affordable, easy to manage and low maintenance. Clip them onto a line with the right ropes and floats, set them in rocky reef areas or seagrass beds, and pull them when it suits you. Crackpots has shelter pots in stock along with all the gear you need to get started.
FAQS
What type of octopus is most commonly caught near Perth?
Octopus tetricus, known as the gloomy octopus, is the most common species caught in Perth waters.
What is the difference between a trigger pot and a shelter pot?
Trigger pots are more efficient but expensive and high-maintenance. Shelter pots are simpler, cheaper and easier to manage for recreational fishing.
Where is the best place to set octopus traps in WA?
Rocky coastal reefs, seagrass beds and rubble areas. Look for bivalve shells near an entrance; that usually means an octopus is home.
How do you get an octopus out of a shelter pot?
Sprinkle salt near it; it will exit quickly. Grab the head and slice cleanly at the base. Do not lift it off the floor or it will grip everything in reach.
Can I buy octopus traps and gear from Crackpots?
Yes. Crackpots stocks shelter pots, ropes, floats and bait. Call (08) 9337 2211 or visit the store in O’Connor WA.