Crab Traps
Have you ever considered crabbing?
If you are an angler who enjoys eating crab and spends time on the water in areas where they are found, why not give crabbing a try? To catch crabs, you will need one or more crab traps which are commonly referred to as “crab pots”. West Marine offers a couple types of crab pots and a variety of crabbing accessories so you can gear up like a pro.
As opposed to the large heavy crab pots (which can weigh over 40 pounds) used by commercial crabbers, the traps that West Marine offers weigh less and are easier to handle.
Crab Pots offered by West Marine
West Marine offers two types of crab pots: A circular, rigid-frame crab pot and a collapsible crab pot. Circular, rigid frame crab pots have a steel framework with the top, bottom and side composed of a vinyl-coated steel wire mesh. Collapsible crab pots consist of two steel hoops with the top, bottom and side composed of polyester netting. The non-rigid design of these traps allows them to be collapsed for easy storage. They are a good choice for boats with limited stowage space and are a great option for kayakers who want to get in on the crabbing action themselves.
To entice crabs to enter these traps, various types of bait are used, such as chicken or fish entrails. Of course, the most important feature of these traps is that they offer an easy way for crabs to enter but no way out. In essence, at the cost of a free meal, unwitting crabs get a one-way ticket to your dinner plate!
Accessories for Crabbing
While the crab pots that West Marine offers weigh less than commercial pots, pulling them out of the water into your boat can be fatiguing, particularly if you are running multiple pots. To make the process easier, West Marine offers line haulers/pot pullers for crab, shrimp and lobster traps plus everything else you need to set up your pots. These items include crab pot floats, leaded crab pot line, crab measuring tools, crab/fish baskets, and other items.
Other Types of Traps
Apart from the crab pots described above, West Marine also offers pinfish bait traps and a shrimp pot. These are box-style, rigid steel frame/mesh traps that offer small fish or shrimp an easy way in and no way out.