Crabs are one of the most sought after seafood around the globe. They are not only tasty, but they are also packed with nutrients and minerals that are crucial for our body. However, one thing that any fisherman will tell you is that catching crabs is not easy.
They are incredibly resilient creatures with stung claws and live in most rugged conditions in the ocean. Additionally, there are also elusive and dangerous. Catching them requires you to have the right skill, experience, and, most importantly, the best crab trap.
Crab traps are specially designed bait used to bait, lure and catch crabs for recreational or commercial use. They are available in a variety of sizes and designs, meaning that you can choose one that suits your needs. Today the market is flooded with a vast range of crab traps, and they all claim to be of high quality.
At a glance:
Our Favorite Crab Traps List
- Danielson Pacific FTC crab trap
- Noa Store New Fishing Bait Foldable Net Trap Cast Dip Cage
- Promar Collapsible Crawfish/Crab Trap
- SOUTH BEND Hurricane F210 Hr Crab Trap
- Danielson Crab Trap CASTABLE Collapsible
Are You In Hurry ?
The Test Winner is Here
Our Top Pick:
Danielson Pacific FTC crab trap
Why It Is Better ?
Quick Summary: Top 5 Product
As such, most buyers are usually confused about which option to choose. If that is the case with you, then count yourself lucky because today you are in the right place. We have made things easy for you by researching on your behalf and listing the best crab traps on the markets.
Some of the things that we have considered before choosing crab traps listed below include the quality of materials that they made of, brand reputation, customer reviews and rating, and price.
Best Crab Traps Reviews
Best Overall: Danielson Pacific FTC crab trap
Danielson Pacific FTC crab trap is one of the bestselling crab traps on the market today. Since its launch, over one million copies have been sold. It is currently one of the most popular crab traps on the west coast, and it is ideal for catching red rock crab and Dungeness. Danielson Pacific FTC is mostly used for recreation crab catching.
This crab trap is made of a vinyl coated steel wire that can withstand anything that the ocean throws at it, including strong currents and tides. It is, therefore, ideal for people who are looking for recreational crab traps that can last for many years without needing repair or replacement.
It’s vinyl coated steel is collapsible, meaning that once you are done fishing, you can fold it for easy transportation and storage. However, the fact that it is collapsible does not mean that it is weak. Its frame is made of heavy-duty steel wire that can withstand strong ocean currents.
It is equipped with four entrance doors that allow crabs to enter the cage and two exit doors that enable small crabs to exit. This trap has complied with all legal requirements that have been put in place, including having a fall away rot cord system that disables the trap if it cannot be retrieved. Its simple design, on the other hand, enables easy bait placement. Its 2-ounce weight ensures that it stays in a single location even when fishing in areas with strong currents or tides.
When you purchase this crab trap, then you are always guaranteed to catch a crab when you go fishing.
Pros
- It is collapsible for easy transportation and storage.
- It is constructed with vinyl-coated heavy-duty steel that is strong and durable.
- It has met all requirements for catching crabs.
- Its simple design makes bait placement easy.
- It is ideal for catching red rock crab and Dungeness.
- Its 2-ounce weight ensure that it stays in one location even when subjected to strong currents or tides.
- It is easy to use.
- It is affordable.
Cons
- It has no large opening on the tip. As such, you need to collapse the trap to extract the crab.
Noa Store New Fishing Bait Foldable Net Trap Cast Dip Cage
If you are looking for a quality crab trap, but you are on a tight budget, then Noa store foldable crab trap is the right one for you. Though cheap, this trap is equipped with many amazing features that make it stand out. It is one of the few crab traps that does not require installation. All you need to do is pull a built-in rope, and the trap will quickly open.
Noa store foldable has 12 entrances, and it is excellent for catching eels, smelt, minnows, lobsters, crawfish, and crabs. Its frame is made of a solid steel bar bracket that is strong and durable.
Even the strong ocean current or tides cannot damage this trap, thanks to the quality and robust frame that it is made off.
Noa store foldable crab trap is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater. It features a 5.1-inch entrance and a 0.5-inch mesh making, it ideal for catching a wider variety of fish. The 0.5-inch mesh helps to ensure that small crabs are not trapped. It is ideal for trappers who are looking for a robust, durable, and efficient crab trap that is affordable.
Pros
- It has 12 entrance.
- Suitable for catching crabs, shrimps, lobster, crawfish and even reptiles.
- It is easy to use.
- Durable and reliable.
- It can withstand cold temperatures.
- Made of solid steel frame.
- It is affordable.
Cons
- It may require extra weight in strong tide or current.
Promar Collapsible Crawfish/Crab Trap
Promar is known for making quality fishing accessories, and once again they did not disappoint when they launched Promar collapsible crab trap. This large crab trap is ideal for catching red rock crab and Dungeness. It is made of heavy-duty coated stainless steel that can easily withstand strong currents and tides. It weighs 15 pounds meaning that you don’t need to add extra weight to hold it in position as it is usually the case with other crab traps.
Promar collapsible crab trap is collapsible by one inch for easy stowing, stacking, and transportation. This trap can also be baited and set in seconds, thanks to its simple design. This trap is ideal for beginners who are still learning the sport. It features two entrances that lead the crab into the bait bag. The design is exceptionally versatile and will allow you to catch a variety of other species, including lobsters, crawfish, and much more. Additionally, it has two escape hole on the opposite side that allows younger crabs to exit quickly.
Pros
- Its collapsible design makes it super portable and easy to store.
- It can be baited in seconds making it great for beginner trappers.
- It has a simple but effective design, but it efficiently traps crabs.
- It comes with a carry handle and bait bag that makes transportation easy.
- It features two ramp style entrances that allow crabs in but not out.
- It is easy to use.
- It is affordable.
Cons
- Some trappers complain that the two entries are enough are not enough to trap a lot of crab at a time.
SOUTH BEND Hurricane F210 Hr Crab Trap
Southbend Hurricane F210 crab trap is currently one of the best crab traps on the market. It is made from high-quality materials that can withstand salty water and strong currents and tides. If you plan to trap crabs in areas where the currents are extremely strong, then this is the right trap for you.
Southbend Hurricane F210 crab trap is made of premium stainless steel that is extremely strong and durable. The entrances are single directional, a feature that enables crabs to enter quickly from one direction but cannot leave once trapped. The cage is large enough to hold even the largest crab available.
The metal wire is sturdy and features a tight weave design that helps to keep the crabs secure once trapped in the cage. The premium stainless steel that this cage is made off is rust-resistant, a feature that not only helps to increase its durability, but it also ensures that the cage is opened throughout, allowing you to catch large amounts of crabs.
If you are searching for a quality crab trap that is made with premium-grade material, then you won’t regret if you choose the Southbend Hurricane F210 crab trap. It is currently one of the most durable crab traps on the market.
Pros
- Made of premium grade materials.
- It is rust-resistant.
- Large capacity that can hold even largest crabs.
- It is heavy, hence does not need reinforcement during strong currents or tides.
- It features a wave design that keeps crabs secure once trapped.
- It is easy to use.
- It is affordable.
Cons
- Not collapsible.
Danielson Crab Trap CASTABLE Collapsible
Danielson Crab Trap Crab Jaw provides a unique and faun alternative to trap all types of crabs using a fishing pole. It is bait ready, and it opens once it settles at the bottom of the sea. When a crab gets trapped, the bait will signal the rod tips, allowing you to retrieve the trap and secure your catch as quickly as possible.
Danielson Crab Trap Crab Jaw is a durable yet straightforward crab trap. It is made of quality material that can withstand corrosion and strong currents. This crab trap is ideal for people who are looking for a simple, unique, and very effective crab trap. It can capture up to four crabs at the same time.
Pros
- Simple and easy to use.
- It is durable.
- Affordable.
- It is bait ready.
- It is lightweight and easy to carry around.
- Spring-loaded traps that secure crabs once they get trapped.
- Ideal for catching blue crabs.
Cons
- Some users complain that it only opens 75% once cast into the water.
Crab traps buying guide ( What You Need To Know )
Imagine spending your quality time trapping crabs only to find out that you have only managed to capture one crab or, in some instances, no crab at all. The amount of crab that you will catch depends on the quality of the crab trap that you are using. If you buy a quality crab trap, then you will always have a great time because you will catch large amounts of crab. On the other hand, if you invest in a low-quality trap, then you will occasionally go home empty-handed. In this section, we are going to give you tips on essential features to consider before buying a crab trap.
Type of crab trap
There are many types of craps on the market today. However, the three main ones include box crab traps, pyramid crab traps, and ring net crab traps.
Box crab traps are the most used design because they are more efficient in capturing crabs, have a large capacity, and are durable. They are also very good at securing crabs once they get caught. Box crabs have multiple holes that serve as entryways for the crab to move in but not out.
They also have small outlets that allow small crabs to swim out. The only downside of the type of crab trap is that they are bulky hence challenging to transport and store.
The ring net crab trap is made of a large and small metallic ring. These rings expand and contract interchangeably, allowing crabs to get before sealing the exits. These traps are ideal for capturing both large and small crabs. Most people like this type of traps because they are collapsible hence easy to transport and store.
Last but not least is the pyramid crab traps. This type of trap is made of a metallic cross-wiring that looks like a pyramid. The pyramid crab trap is mostly used to catch crabs that are bulkier and shapeless. To use this trap, you need to place the bait in the middle, and once the crab moves in, the trap will close automatically to ensure that it does not get out.
The first important thing that you need to do is decide is which type of crab trap you need. If you want to capture more crabs, then you should choose a box crab trap. On the other hand, if you want something that is portable and easy to store, then you should consider choosing a pyramid or ring net crab trap. Choose a crab trap type that will suit your trapping needs.
Consider size
The size of the trap is also a critical factor to consider. When factoring size, you should consider the types of crabs that you are planning to catch. Crabs are available in different sizes. Some are quite big while there are some which are smaller. If you are planning to catch large crabs, then you should choose a trap that has a large capacity. Most crab traps usually indicate how much weight they can hold at a single time. Choose a crab trap that can comfortably accommodate the number of crabs that you intend to catch.
Consider the number of entries and their sizes
Crab traps have a varied number of entrances. Some have up to 12 openings, while others have only one entrance. The general rule of thumb is the more entrances the trap has, the more crabs you will catch. Therefore, if you want to capture more crabs, then you should choose a crab trap that has more entrances. Additionally, the size of the entrance also matters a lot. The size of the entrance needs to be large enough to allow crabs in but not too big to let them out. Some crab traps, such as open crab traps, have large holes on top. As such, they need to be monitored closely to ensure to prevent losing your crabs.
Quality of material used
This is a critical factor that most people usually overlook. The quality of the material used will determine how long the crab trap will last. So, if you want it to last for long, then you should buy one that is made premium grade material. The material should be strong enough to hold the crab that you have captured. The trap should also withstand strong ocean currents and tides.
Consider its specific use
Why are you buying a trap crab? Do you want to capture crab for food, for fun or you want to capture them for research? Before you buy a crab trap, you need to determine its exact use. The more specific you are about its use, the higher the chances of finding a perfect crab trap that suits your needs.
Consider depth
At what depth do you intend to set to crab trap? Crabs usually lie at the sea bed. The depth that you intend to set the crap trap should influence your buying decision. Remember that pressure increases with depth. So, the deeper you set the trap, the more load it will put in the trap. Choose a trap that strong enough if you are planning to set it in great depth.
Consider laws and regulations
The last thing you want is to find yourself on the wrong side of the law. Before you buy a crab trap, you need to familiarize yourself with current laws and regulations. For instance, most regions require the trap to have a rot cord that will set the crab free if the trap is not retrieved.
FAQ
1. How can I set a crab trap?
Answer: Setting a crab trap is simple and straightforward. You need to follow the following process:
- Place the bait in the trap
- Lower the trap gently in the water unlit it reaches sea bed
- Wait for crabs to get into the trap (give it about 24 hours)
- Retrieve the trap to see how many craps you have captured
2. What is the best bait to put in a crab trap?
Answer: There are many baits that you can put in a crab trap. However, experts recommend that you should use things like cow livers, dog feeds, and meat scraps as bait. Adult crabs are attracted to such baits.
3. How long should the crab trap stay in the water?
Answer: A crab strap should stay in water for at least 24 hours before retrieving.
4. Are crabs dangerous?
Answer: No crabs are not dangerous. However, there are not the prettiest creatures, and some of them may look scary. The worse you can get from them is a nasty pinch that is painful but harmless.
5. Which part of a crab is poisonous?
Answer: There is a popular myth that crabs lung are poisonous. However, that is not true. They just taste terrible and are hard to digest. That is why they are usually not consumed. However, there is no single part of a crab that is toxic.
Final verdict
If you want to try your luck catching crabs, then you need to choose the best crab trap. The quality of the crab trap that you choose matters a lot, whether you are a novice or experienced trapper. If you have been wondering what crab trap to choose, then today you have the answer. All the above-listed crab traps have been tested and proven to give quality results. They are also durable, require low maintenance, portable, and affordable. If you want to have a great time every time you trapping crabs, then I recommend that you choose any of the above-listed crab traps.