Crabbing Gear Basics
With all of the choices available it can be hard to choose what crabbing gear is right for you. There are several popular methods used by crabbers. Today I will discuss the differences between crab traps and crab pots.
A crab trap is a device that you must operate to catch crabs. A wire basket or collapsible trap is baited and lowered to the river bottom. The bait most commonly used is chicken. It is clipped or zip tided into the bottom of the trap. Attached to this is a rope with a float to identify its location. After it sits for a period of time you must pull the float and rope up as quickly as possible. This will either close the sides of the trap or raise the sides of the basket so the crab can’t escape while being raised from the bottom. When the trap is brought onto the boat or pier it is measured and released or put into your basket.
Crab pots are used most by commercial fisherman. The floats attached to them are what look like land mines in the summer while cruising the bay. They are usually concentrated around the mouths of the bays tributaries. In most states the recreational use of them is very limited. This is due to the fact that they basically catch the crabs on their own. They are typically 2’x2’ in size and weighted on the bottom with steel rebar. They are then attached with a rope and float like the crab trap. They are baited with a variety of baits including fish, chicken, clams, and sometimes other crabs. The pots have wire funnels that guide the crabs in without allowing them to escape. Because of this they must be checked daily as not to allow the crabs to die. If you plan on using crab pots please check with your state regulations regarding their use. Whatever methods you decide to use enjoy your time on the water and the delicious bounty that awaits you.
A crab trap is a device that you must operate to catch crabs. A wire basket or collapsible trap is baited and lowered to the river bottom. The bait most commonly used is chicken. It is clipped or zip tided into the bottom of the trap. Attached to this is a rope with a float to identify its location. After it sits for a period of time you must pull the float and rope up as quickly as possible. This will either close the sides of the trap or raise the sides of the basket so the crab can’t escape while being raised from the bottom. When the trap is brought onto the boat or pier it is measured and released or put into your basket.
Crab pots are used most by commercial fisherman. The floats attached to them are what look like land mines in the summer while cruising the bay. They are usually concentrated around the mouths of the bays tributaries. In most states the recreational use of them is very limited. This is due to the fact that they basically catch the crabs on their own. They are typically 2’x2’ in size and weighted on the bottom with steel rebar. They are then attached with a rope and float like the crab trap. They are baited with a variety of baits including fish, chicken, clams, and sometimes other crabs. The pots have wire funnels that guide the crabs in without allowing them to escape. Because of this they must be checked daily as not to allow the crabs to die. If you plan on using crab pots please check with your state regulations regarding their use. Whatever methods you decide to use enjoy your time on the water and the delicious bounty that awaits you.
Tags: Crabbing
