Heeeyho Readers! Sunny days can't go to waste!
Autumn is back to the southern hemisphere. Exactly one year ago I was sitting on the sofa, suffering post-surgery headaches, and walking around in crutches. These are past memories of a broken leg. Funny memories. At least when people say I have some loose screws in a jocose allusion to my adventures, I can say: "Not anymore, mate".
Autumn in southern Brazil comes with those howling south-western winds, overcast sky, occasional rain, and a full can't-wait-for-the-summer anxiety package. Awful, to say the least. However, today we awoke to an spectacular Monday. Perfect to walk the dog at the beach. On the way to the car, I grab the ghost shrimp pump to resupply my stock of natural fishing bait.
Capturing ghost shrimp in southern Brazil
Ghost Shrimp
Have you ever seen this ugly-looking, ten-footed, sneaky crustacean? Its official name is Callichirus major, but folks call it ghost shrimp. I've always called it corrupto (corrupt), because they are "plentful, hidden, and hard to capture"; just like our politicians. Pa-dum-tss.
Ghost shrimp are not edible, thus, the only purpose of capturing these crustaceans is to employ as natural bait. "No better bait than the local natural ones," says the red-faced drunk fisherman.
This nasty little fellas are fast to dig themselves into the sand, so, in order to capture, one needs a pump. And preferably on low tide. Unless you are like me pudding-head who can never wake up early enough.
Tidal times in Cassino beach
I left home at 10:00, whereas the first low tide was at 7:39. Late, I know. Would've been better off waking up early. Nevertheless, I still managed to have fun capturing some politicians corruptos.
- First thing is to spot the little holes on the sand.
- Then we use the pump to suck them out
ghost shrimp burrow
Pumping ghost shrimp
It's harder to spot the holes when the tide is high; the waves cover the teeny holes. One needs ninja moves to pump in between waves. If there's a ghost shrimp in there, it'll show up after spitting the sand out of the pump. It's always exciting to see that orange, nasty-looking creature. Don't be fooled! Their pincers are strong as hell and hurt.
ghost shrimp
two ghost shrimp
I reject females with eggs since I won't pay child support. I also don't capture more than needed for a three to four days worth of fishing. Even though not usable for human consumption, these crustaceans are important for the local environment, serving mainly as food for fish.
storing ghost shrimp
storing ghost shrimp
Back home I preserve the bait in sea water inside 600ml water bottles and toss them into the freezer. Two bottles are enough for a day of fishing. It's best to use them alive though, but this way there's no need to bother.
The tide is on its highest point just as we are 'bout to head back home. I decide to go for a swim to see if my brain cranks that creativity hormones. It doesn't, apparently. I've been composing this post for hours and am still unable to conclude. Have you read this far?
If you have, I'd like to wish you a great week start and good luck on your fishing.
Peace.
Did you know that I have a book out? Check this!
Access Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/6500272773?
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~Love ya all,
Disclaimer: The author of this post is a convict broke backpacker, who has travelled more than 10.000 km hitchhiking and more than 5.000 km cycling. Following him may cause severe problems of wanderlust and inquietud. You've been warned.
