The 9 Best Crab Traps And Pots For An Optimal Crabbing Experience

Last Updated 27 Mar 2024 by Fiona Perisone

EDITOR'S PICKS

Recommended
best overall    
KUFA Stainless Steel Crab Trap With Zinc Anode & Accessory Kit thumbnail

4.6/5

  • Lightweight
  • Durable harness
  • Comes as a set
  • Includes bait Bag with rubber lock
Recommended
most versatile
Promar Ambush XL 36" Hoop Net thumbnail

4.8/5

  • Lightweight and durable
  • Great size with larger opening
  • Best for large crabs and lobsters
Recommended
best collapsible
Promar 32" Collapsible Crab Pot thumbnail

4.7/5

  • Effective and convenient
  • Includes a drawstring bait bag, wire secure clamps and easy carry handle
  • Easy to assemble, use, and store

MORE PICKS TO CHOOSE FROM

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 

4.6/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

KUFA Stainless Steel Crab Trap With Zinc Anode & Accessory Kit

Features:

  • Compact
  • Bait Bag with rubber lock
  • Crab Caliper

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:

  • Lightweight
  • Durable harness
  • Comes as a set
  • Easy to set up and use design
  • Foldable design making it easy to store and transport

Cons:

  • Leaded line isn't very sturdy

Promar Ambush XL 36" Hoop Net

Most Versatile

overall 

4.8/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Promar Ambush XL 36" Hoop Net

Features:

  • Heavy duty commercial style bridle float
  • Heavy duty harness
  • 6 solid welded posts
  • Steep angles

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:

  • Lightweight and durable
  • Great size with larger opening
  • Best for large crabs and lobsters

Cons:

  • A bit pricey

Promar 32" Collapsible Crab Pot

Best Collapsible

overall 

4.7/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Promar 32" Collapsible Crab Pot

Features:

  • Collapses for convenient stowing
  • 4 tunnel entrances
  • 4.25" x 2" escape rings

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:

  • Effective and convenient
  • Includes a drawstring bait bag, wire secure clamps and easy carry handle
  • Easy to assemble, use, and store

Cons:

  • Net is too large for catching Dungeness crab

SHWMQJ Crawfish Trap Fishing Collapsible Crawdad Trap

Best Budget

overall 

4.7/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

SHWMQJ Crawfish Trap Fishing Collapsible Crawdad Trap

Features:

  • Wide application
  • Unique design
  • Foldable design

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:

  • High-quality material
  • Comes with accessories
  • Very lightweight and sturdy

Cons:

  • The nets are quite lightweight, so it is advised to tether them down when used in running water.

Drasry Three Entrances Large Crab Traps Portable Collapsible Trap

Best Value

overall 

4.3/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Drasry Three Entrances Large Crab Traps Portable Collapsible Trap

Features:

  • Collapsible
  • Large trap size
  • Flat bottom design

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:

  • Functional design and layout
  • Easy to use and store
  • Lightweight and sturdy
  • Perfect for catching crabs and fish

Cons:

  • Tie off line is very thin

Tackle Factory 120T Topless Stackable Crab Traps

Best For Bulk Buy

overall 

4.5/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Tackle Factory 120T Topless Stackable Crab Traps

Features:

  • Tapered sides allow easy stacking
  • Spring bait holder
  • Fishing trap opens at the top

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:

  • Heavy duty
  • Designed for long-term use even in strong currents
  • Multi-functional and handy
  • Comes fully assembled and ready to use

Cons:

  • Edges can be very sharp

Promar 30" Heavy-Duty Crab Pot

Best Heavy Duty

overall 

4.3/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Promar 30" Heavy-Duty Crab Pot

Features:

  • 3 tunnel entrances with optimized mesh ramps
  • Internal bait box
  • 2" x 4.25" escape rings

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:

  • Heavy-duty and functional
  • Huge capacity and storage
  • Does not break down

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Can get really heavy

Promar Hoop Net Pro Rigging Kit

Best Kit

overall 

4.4/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Promar Hoop Net Pro Rigging Kit

Features:

  • 4-piece rigging kit
  • Pro style setup
  • Bait cage

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:

  • Great value
  • Perfect for beginners
  • Heavy enough to sit on the bottom
  • Excellent quality and design

Cons:

  • Not as durable as the others

Protoco Standard Crab Ring

Crab Ring Design

overall 

4.4/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Protoco Standard Crab Ring

Features:

  • Bait cage vinyl coated preventing rust
  • Metal screen box

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:

  • Favorites of sports and commercial crabbers
  • Tarred netting to withstand the elements of the ocean
  • Net is coated and very durable
  • Comes with harness and rope

Cons:

  • Bottom of ring is uncoated
  • Bait cage door can be difficult to open

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.

About the Author

Fiona is a veteran travel consultant, photographer and travel writer at planetrider.com. She has spent many years as a corporate travel consultant and decided to actually live the life rather than plan it for others!

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