View Full Version : hand catchin wild plecos
lizardfishman
09-08-2005, 7:29 PM
plecos were puposely introduced in my area to control water weeds (stupid idea they do a horrible job). in the lake by my house the plecos build thier nests into the bank. because they swim in head first and their nests are thin, if u stomp on the bank they back out and you can grab their tails and pull them out. well, i went to the lake just now and saw some nests. because i havent hand captured them in a while, i decided to try it. SUPIDEST THING I EVER DID (next to stickin my finger in a 18" brown basilisk lizard's mouth to see wat it felt like). i didnt realize how spiky their plates are and the first one tore my thumb and index finger open.
o well, it was still worth it.
:)
Gr8KarmaSF
09-08-2005, 7:37 PM
show a pic of your hand guy! hope ya heal fast!
lizardfishman
09-08-2005, 7:46 PM
cuts arent that big because i threw it on to the bank b4 it did any more damage
only 2 or 3 cuts rest is torn up skin
will try to post pics soon
Gr8KarmaSF
09-08-2005, 7:48 PM
Dont forget to put some pimaflix on those cutz! :ROFL:
managuense-fury
09-08-2005, 7:57 PM
i don't even like catching pleco's with nets because of that reason!
sandtiger
09-08-2005, 9:47 PM
I don't try to catch any catfish other then corydoras with nets...or perhaps fry...thats it though.
that's funny because I hand catch all the plecos (I work at a petstore). Occassionally we get big ones over 12". however, a lot of big ones (especially males) have spikes at the gill area and I avoid grabbing it there because it flares out and will spike you.
guppy
09-08-2005, 10:45 PM
Did you put it in a tank or eat it?
Steve_89
09-08-2005, 11:23 PM
How big are the plecos??
Waldo
09-09-2005, 12:11 PM
geez, next time gently scruff them not grab their tail and throw them on the bank. what sp are they? It must not get to cold over there.
lizardfishman
09-09-2005, 5:24 PM
they are common plecos that are 14"-18" and, they are in holes in the bank so they shoot out when they are far enough for me out to grab their back and gently handle them. i couldnt put it into a tank because i dont have any thing big (biggest is 12gal). thinkin bout rearrangin room for more wall space to get somethin like a 72gal bow front tank (i know where i might be able to get one for free. just the tank though)
Tainted Glory
09-10-2005, 10:12 AM
The trick is to grab just behind the head and gently press the dorsal spine down. I always hand catch large plecos.
magic
09-10-2005, 12:30 PM
You could always use gloves. Like filet gloves.