Different parts of the world have different methods of catching the animal, which is a delicacy in some places and difficult to catch in others.Since there are so many different species of octopus, it's important to think about your method of trying to catch them.
Step 1: You can choose the type of pot.
Call or visit the local fishing and hunting store to discuss the species of octopus you will be hunting, and which pots are most effective for the area you are in.Depending on your approach, the type of pots you choose may be different.You can either hunt for the experience or make a living from it.It's a good idea to think hard about your decision.There are many different types of pot, from the traditional clay pot which has been used for centuries, to the modern traps that have been developed today.
Step 2: Attach your pots to the rope.
It's important to use a strong knot so that you don't lose pots.If you use multiple pots, tie them on to the rope every few yards so that when you put them in the water, you cover a lot of room on the seafloor.Before setting out on a boat, be sure to tie your pots.If you are inexperienced, it can be difficult to do this.
Step 3: Pick a spot on the water for dropping the pots.
Choose an area with a lot of fish and areas that are hiding.This is a great place to hide as they like to hunt from cover.If you're looking for a place to drop your pots, coral reefs and rock formations are a good starting point.Ask the fishermen if there are good places to find octopuses or reefs.
Step 4: Place your pots in the water.
Spread the pots out so that they don't all land in the same place.If they are all on the same line, you want to spread them out as far as possible.It's important to have a buoy tied to your rope.You can find your pots when you hold the rope so that you can pull them out.
Step 5: Wait for the squid to come in.
It is a good idea to wait for a long time before pulling up your pots because it is hard to tell when you have caught an animal.This can be from anywhere in between a day and a week.How thorough you want to be is up to you.
Step 6: Pull the pots out.
As you go, inspect each one to make sure it's the right size and weight for you.You will have to throw it back if it is not.When you empty the pot, make sure you have a good place to keep the octopus since it will be alive when you pull it out of the water.Being fast and steady-handed here is important.The octopus will escape given the chance.They are great at getting away.
Step 7: The kind of spear you want to use.
Different regions use different kinds of spears.Fishing and hunting stores can give you advice on what kind of spear to use.When it comes to spear fishing, be sure to check the local regulations.The trident is a common type of spear in Greece.You should consider whether you want to use a propelled speargun or a more traditional freeheld spear.
Step 8: Pick a spot.
It's possible to make a den on a reef or rocky seafloor.Wait for your anchor to catch on the bottom before diving.While you are underwater, you don't want your boat floating away.If you are free diving, make sure the water is not too deep.Pick a dive spot with care.Some regions are very protective of their natural resources.If you are diving away from home, be sure to check with locals.
Step 9: Track the fish.
There are broken crab shells and empty shellfish on the seafloor.If you want to know what to look out for during your hunt, learn about the type of octopus you will be looking for.An octopus will make a home out of any hole or hole it can fit into.They are masters of camouflage so be very careful when looking for them.
Step 10: Take your octopus out into the open.
If you have found an animal, you need to get it out of its den.If you poke around until it gets defensive and starts to grab onto your spear, you can get it out of its hiding spot.
Step 11: If you are in range, spear the octopus.
If you want to kill the octopus fast, you should aim your spear or trident in between its eyes.You should have a knife on your belt in case you need to kill an animal quickly.
Step 12: Take a look at the size of the animal.
You need to follow local fishing regulations.Check to see if the octopus is large enough for you to keep.You should leave it alone if it's not true.The ink may be difficult to read.To avoid hurting yourself and anyone around you, you should be as clean as you can be.
Step 13: You can buy a lure to catch an arthropod.
Attach a brightly colored lure that looks like a small fish to the end of a gaff.A gaff is a pole used for fishing.You can buy them at a fishing and hunting store.Red is a good color to lure an animal.The red color of an angry octopus will cause another to grab your lure in order to defend itself.You can fashion one out of wood, plastic, or anything else that is strong enough to hold onto your gaff.
Step 14: There's a beach with shallow pools.
This is where you can catch an animal by hand.They like to hide in crevices and under rocks.A broken crab shell is a tell tale sign.When hunting and eating, an octopus will crack these open with it's beak.If you see a lot of these, you're likely to see an animal in the pool.
Step 15: The octopus has a den.
Holding your gaff, put the lure into the water and run it around the edge of the rocks, around crevices you think an octopus could be hiding in.ledges and holes that are not visible at first should be checked.
Step 16: When it emerges from hiding, catch it.
Pull the lure towards your hand when the octopus grabs it.They have a beak that can deliver a nasty bite, so it is a good idea to use gloves.
Step 17: Make sure to check the size of the animal.
You need to follow local fishing regulations.Check to see if the octopus is large enough for you to keep.You will have to throw it back if it is not.
Step 18: A water filled container is what you should keep your octopus in.
It's important that you keep your octopus alive until you use it, as they can get very stiff after they die and become useless.You should keep a bucket of water or a container with you when you catch an animal.