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MORE PICKS TO CHOOSE FROM
- Best Budget | SHWMQJ | Find On Amazon
- Best Value | Drasry | Find On Amazon
- Best For Bulk Buy | Tackle Factory | Find On Amazon
- Best Heavy Duty | Promar | Find On DICK'S
- Best Kit | Promar | Find On DICK'S
- Crab Ring Design | Protoco | Find On Amazon
Crab trapping can be a fun and relaxing family activity with the bonus of enjoying eating the delicious succulent crustaceans. Whether you are an elite expert looking to upgrade your crab traps or a beginner, you can enjoy this low-cost activity from a boat or shore; the payoff can be big.
Crab trapping is a popular pastime for many, but before you purchase a trap, it's worth thinking about several key factors. To help you shop, we have put together this guide and some of the best crab traps on the market.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Crab Trap
Crab Species
Different crab species have different trapping requirements. For example, blue crabs can be caught with various traps, while Dungeness crabs require a specific type of trap. Make sure you buy a trap designed for the species of crab you plan to catch.
Size
The trap size will depend on the size of the crab you are trying to catch. A larger trap will be able to hold larger crabs but will also be more expensive and harder to handle.
Budget
Crab traps can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. Consider how much you are willing to spend on a trap and choose one that fits your budget.
Material
Crab traps are typically made of wire mesh or plastic. Wire mesh traps are more durable and can last many years, but they can be heavy and difficult to handle. Plastic traps are lightweight and easy to handle, but they may not be as durable.
Construction, Design, and Ease of Use
Look for a trap that is well-constructed and designed for ease of use. A trap that is easy to set up and take down will save you time and hassle. Traps that are difficult to use or set up may discourage you from using them again.
Durability
A durable trap will last for many years and save you money in the long run. Consider the materials used in the construction of the trap and look for one that is built to last. As mentioned before, wire mesh traps are the most durable.
Legal requirement
Before visiting your destination, be sure to check local legal requirements first. Different states have different laws and regulations regarding crab trapping, so make sure you are aware of the laws in your state and that the trap you purchase is legal.
9 Best Crab Traps And Pots
KUFA Stainless Steel Crab Trap with Zinc Anode & Accessory Kit
Best Overall
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
If you are new to crabbing, this KUFA Stainless Steel Crab Trap with Zinc Anode & Accessory Kit may have everything you need. The kit includes a durable 4-arm harness, 100 feet of lead core rope, and a crab caliper, making it perfect for use in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and other areas. The commercial-style design crab trap bait bag is perfect for catching Dungeness, Blue, Red, and Rock crabs and is ideal for the beach, pier, dock, and boat fishing. The stainless steel frame and strong poly netting make the trap highly durable, while the zinc anode prevents corrosion.
Material
Stainless Steel, Zinc Anode
Weight
N/A
Dimensions
30" l x 30" w x 10" h
Pros:
Cons:
Promar Ambush XL 36" Hoop Net
Most Versatile
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
Promar is a reputable brand in the crabbing and fishing industry. They carry a ray of crabbing and fishing accessories inspired by commercial crabbers.
Promar Ambush XL 36" Hoop Net is a versatile piece designed for catching lobsters and crabs, with its steep angles offering more volume and helping retain more of your catch. The stealthy ocean blue vinyl coating on the rigid steel frame and top ring protects the net from the elements and almost disappears in the water, blending in with its underwater environment. This trap is supported by six fixed welded posts providing solid and stable hauls.
Material
Steel, Vinyl Coating
Weight
approximately 14 pounds
Dimensions
36" l x 36" w x 7" h
Pros:
Cons:
Promar 32" Collapsible Crab Pot
Best Collapsible
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
The Promar Collapsible Crab Pot is a convenient and effective way to haul in catches. The heavy-duty crab pot is made from a strong vinyl-coated steel frame with heavy-duty poly netting and a steel-hinged access door. It's sturdy and collapsible, making it easier to store and transport. The Promar 32" Collapsible Crab Pot is equipped with three tunnel entrances and four escape rings, making it a great option for catching various crab species.
Material
vinyl coated steel, mesh
Weight
11.79 Pounds
Dimensions
32” x 10”
Pros:
Cons:
SHWMQJ Crawfish Trap Fishing Collapsible Crawdad Trap
Best Budget
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
If you are new to crabbing or are working with a budget, you must check out this SHWMQJ Crawfish Trap. This collapsible crab trap is made from a strong metal frame and comes with a bait box, making it easier to store and transport. The SHWMQJ Crawfish Trap is equipped with two entrances and four escape rings, making it a great option for catching various fish, shrimps, and crab species. The net is not eroded by seawater, but be sure to rinse it with fresh water to ensure it's long-lasting. Best of all, it's easy on the wallet.
Material
Steel wire, nylon mesh
Weight
N/A
Dimensions
2" l x 2" w x 2" h
Pros:
Cons:
Drasry Three Entrances Large Crab Traps Portable Collapsible Trap
Best Value
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
Drasry Three Entrances Large Crab Traps Portable Collapsible Trap has a collapsible design that is easy to transport. Designed for catching crabs, this collapsible crab trap is made from a strong galvanized steel wire and a durable poly mesh, making it durable and corrosion-resistant. The Drasry Three Entrances Large Crab Traps Portable Collapsible Trap is equipped with three entrances and is specially designed to catch larger crabs. The flat bottom design makes this trap very stable underwater and greatly increases your chance of capturing prey. Its durability and lower price point give this crab trap excellent value.
Material
Nylon, polyethylene, Mesh, steel
Weight
2.6 pounds
Dimensions
7.87 x 17.7 x 1.57
Pros:
Cons:
Tackle Factory 120T Topless Stackable Crab Traps
Best For Bulk Buy
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
While this Tackle Factory 120T Topless Stackable Crab Traps may seem to cost a lot, it is worth the splurge for 12 crab traps. Whether you are going crabbing with your friends or family, with 12 crab traps, there is plenty to go around. This topless crab trap is made of high-quality welded wire and features Riverdale AquaMesh US-made wire. It has tapered sides and an open top for easy stacking and more volume and comes with a stealthy blue-ocean vinyl coating on the steel frame and top ring for protection against the elements.
Material
galvanized wire
Weight
1.98 pounds
Dimensions
31" l x 13" w x 13" h
Pros:
Cons:
Promar 30" Heavy-Duty Crab Pot
Best Heavy Duty
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
Promar 30" Heavy-Duty Crab Pot is considered one of the best sport crab traps on the market. It features a heavy-duty vinyl-coated steel frame, three tunnel entrances, a built-in bait box, two 4 1⁄4" escape rings for juvenile crabs, and a large top tending door for easy access to your catch. With a weight of 14 lbs, this burly trap can easily handle most conditions.
The top tending door also comes pre-rigged with destructible cotton twine to meet state gear restrictions. It is important to note, though, that this crab pot is not intended or recommended for east coast blue crab.
Material
Vinyl-coated steel frame
Weight
approximately 15 pounds
Dimensions
N/A
Pros:
Cons:
Promar Hoop Net Pro Rigging Kit
Best Kit
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
This kit is the perfect choice for serious lobster and crab fishermen. The kit comes with everything you need, including a 75'L low-memory braided rope, a 6" bait cage, a 6" light stick, and a 5" x 11" commercial-style marker float. The hooping net itself is made of high-quality materials and includes a patented built-in bait pouch and weighted handles for long-term durability.
The trap is also supported by six fixed welded posts, providing a solid and stable hauling experience. On top of all that, the kit includes a bait clip and float line, so you can attach bait to the hoop net and be sure it stays in the right spot to attract crabs.
Material
steel wire bait cage, polyethylene rope, PVC surface/marker float
Weight
2.69 Pounds
Dimensions
24" l x 2" w x 2" h
Pros:
Cons:
Protoco Standard Crab Ring
Crab Ring Design
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
Protoco Standard Crab Ring is designed for a person who wants to catch the most crab with every pull. Super easy to use, and all you have to do is toss and let the crab climb to the delicious bait. This crab ring is made from high-quality steel and coated with a corrosion-resistant polyethylene coating. The standard crab ring features a large 28" diameter and 17" high bottom ring. This design is perfect for crabbing in areas with limited space. The ring also includes an orange polyethylene-coated bait box tied to the center of the bottom ring.
Material
Stainless Steel, Polyethylene
Weight
6.26 pounds
Dimensions
30" l x 29" w x 4" h
Pros:
Cons:
FAQ
How Do You Attract Crabs?
Most of these traps have a free bait cage to keep your bait in place. The bait cage is designed to attract the crabs with its smell and taste, enticing them to enter the trap. To fill the basket, attach a piece of bait like fish or chicken. The bait should be placed in the middle of the trap and in a way that allows the crabs to smell it but not easily steal it.
How Long Do You Leave the Trap in the Water?
The exact time a trap should be left in the water depends on the location and regulations to ensure compliance. In some areas, traps must be checked daily; in others, they can be left for several days. However, most traps on our list below only need to be left in the water for as little as fifteen minutes before crabs become attracted to the bait.
