First hooping of 2018

[Semper Fi-shing]

I let them soak for 10 minutes. No sense in letting a basket full of undersized bugs clear out your bait cage. I usually set my nets right before the sun goes down though

[jorluivil]

It's not uncommon for me to let my nets soak 45-60 minutes, I've left them as long as 90 minutes. As far as a headlamp goes don't be afraid to spend $40 - $60 dollars for a waterproof headlamp (stay away from those Home Depot lamps). I purchased my Black Diamond headlamp at REI about 4yrs ago and it still works everytime I press the button, the only thing I need to do each year is replace the batteries.

You should get yourself a tote, gear bag or something similar that can hold all of your lobster gear/accessories, it will help you on and off the season by keeping you organized. I have a tote and a gear bag, at the end of the season I simply place all of my gear in the tote/bag and put it away with the rest of my gear.