Cusk trap question

[icetilt]

So my buddy SHARPS and I are going to make the trip up to winni from down here in CT and RI and I was wondering if I could repurpose some old polar tipups to use for cusk fishing? I was thinking of removing the spool and shaft and leaving the flag on to mark the hole. I guess my other question is can I do this or do the traps have to be wood?

[zwiggles]

They don’t have to be wood. I know some people who use electrical cord holders as they’re cheap and easy to chip out.

There are rules for th set up which you should look up, but if I remember correctly it must be a set line which can’t spool, must have a 1 ounce or greater weight, be on bottom, and have less than a six inch leader to the bait.

The big advantage of wood over plastic is it won’t shatter when you accidentally hit it with your chisel when you checking them.

[Capt. Black]

Hope this helps, good luck.

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/fishing/cusk-fishing.html

[icetilt]

The big advantage of wood over plastic is it won’t shatter when you accidentally hit it with your chisel when you checking them.

Good point wasn't thinking about. I looked at the regs and just wanted to make sure about materials, because it didn't mention it.

[Jack1972]

I'm still quite novice to Cusk fishing but a good tip I learned; I bought a cheap exercise floor mat (2' x 2') and cut it into four 1' square pieces to cover the holes at night. Doesn't make it ice-proof but delays the freeze a bit to make for less chiseling the next day.