Maybe they were red rock crabs, tough looking buggers. Cut them in half, then cast them out. The Rig would not care.
Shame about the rod SS, after whitebaitng season ends, I might even go out for another rig fish.
Whitebait Season starts 1 September 2026 and ends 30 October (inclusive). Chatham Islands: 1 December to the last day of February (inclusive)
