There is something most crabbers don’t bother to do, especially when they are new to crabbing, and that is to protect their crabbing gear.
This is a common mistake that we all make or have made at one point.
We all don’t think much about protecting our crabbing gear, and then over time we start to notice that some of our gear start to wear out faster than they should, like the crab rings for instance, when it isn’t protected like it should, I wears out quickly.
I have experienced this myself when I started crabbing newly, and after a while when my crab rings wore out.
I found out about zinc anodes, which are designed to help protect crab rings, so they can last longer.
Adding a zinc anode to your crab ring helps prevent against corrosion, keeping your gear in good shape for longer.
It’s a simple and effective way to extend the life of your crab ring, and you don’t need any special skills to do it.
In this post, I’ll take you through the steps to add a zinc anode to your crab ring, so you can keep crabbing without worrying about anything asides from the excitement that comes from catching a good amount of crabs.
How To Add Zinc Anode To Crab Ring?
It is easy to overlook protecting your crab gear, like crab ring, in fact a lot of crabbers are not even aware that they need to protect their crab ring, and this would lead to them having to replace it often.
So, lets take a look a look at how to properly add zinc anode to your crab ring to protect it and give it a longer life span.
1. Gather Your Materials
Before getting started, make sure you have everything on hand.
You’ll need a zinc anode, some stainless steel wire, and wire cutters.
The zinc anode is important because it acts as a sacrificial metal, preventing your crab ring from rusting.
I usually buy a small zinc anode from a local marine supply store, most of them come with already drilled holes that make attachment easier to handle.
Also if your crab ring is already having rust, it is better to scrub off the rust before starting.
2. Choose the Right Spot on the Crab Ring
When adding a zinc anode, placement is important.
I attach mine to the frame of the crab ring, somewhere out of the way but still accessible.
I have found that putting it near a joint or where metal contacts can reduce the chances of the entire ring rusting.
Make sure the spot you choose allows the anode to have direct contact with the water.
3. Secure the Zinc Anode
Using stainless steel wire, secure the zinc anode to the chosen spot on the crab ring.
Loop the wire through the already drilled holes in the anode and twist it tightly around the frame.
I usually give it a couple of extra twists just to make sure it stays in place.
You want it to be tight enough that it doesn’t shift around but not so tight that it becomes impossible to remove later for replacement.
4. Test It Out
Once the zinc anode is secured, it’s time to test it in the water.
I remember the first time I added an anode, I was a bit nervous, but it worked perfectly.
The anode should start rusting over time, which means it’s doing its job.
Make sure to check on it regularly and replace it once it’s mostly worn down.
Keeping an eye on it makes sure your crab ring stays protected.
5. Cover With Paint
This is not part of attaching the zinc anode to your crab ring, however the zinc anode can’t cover every part of the zinc, so to protect those zinc free areas, it's best to paint them.
I do this with my crab ring and it works well, because the less surface area available to getting rusted, the slower your zinc anode would start to rust which means longer use, and longer time before you need to replace the anode.
Other Helpful Items To Help Add Zinc Anode To Crab Ring
Here are three helpful items that will assist you in adding a zinc anode to your crab ring and also help you maintain your gear.
I always make sure I have them, because they are very useful, and they work really well.
1. Zinc Anodes
A pack of zinc anodes is important for anyone crabbing.
These come in various sizes, so check your crab ring size properly, and choose a size that fits your crab ring.
Having a few extras on hand makes it easy to replace them as needed.
Look for those with already drilled holes, this makes it easy to attach the zinc anode to the crab ring.
2. Stainless Steel Wire
Stainless steel wire is perfect for securing the zinc anode to your crab ring.
It’s durable and resistant to any type of corrosion especially rust, while making sure your connection stays strong.
A spool of this wire can last you through multiple crabbing seasons, making it a smart choice, one where you don’t have to spend money buying it over and over again.
3. Wire Cutters
Wire cutters are a great tool for trimming any excess wire after attaching your zinc anode in place, make sure they are securely placed and well attached to the crab ring.
They are easy to use and ensure that you don’t have any sharp ends sticking out that could slice on your gear.
A good pair will serve you well for all your crabbing needs, just as it always servers me.
Conclusion
Adding a zinc anode to your crab ring is a straightforward task that makes a significant difference in protecting your gear from any form of corrosion.
With just a few simple tools and materials, you can extend the life of your crab ring and make sure you have more successful crabbing trips.
Regular maintenance, like checking and replacing the zinc anode, keeps everything in good shape.
By taking these steps, you can focus more on enjoying your time on the water, knowing your equipment is well cared for.
