January 06, 2012

How to

Make your own crab trap 



.         There are many different kinds of traps used to  Catch crabs.
           This is a simple easy way to make a efficient crab trap.


   
    You will need a high grade 1 inch mesh wire.
    This is a pyramid-style crab trap and is collapsible which makes it easy to transport.

Cut the wire for a bottom.Making sure to get the edges clean even cut. The bottom will measure 16" x 16" square.
Next you will cut 4 triangular shapes of mesh wire.
Making the bottom slightly shorter than the bottom 16" square bottom piece.


Once you have them cut.
Lay the pattern out on a flat surface.
use the wire connector rings to connect the triangular bottom to the edge of the square.
Using a pair of pliers , close the rings as tight as you can get them. using 3 on each joint.Place one on each end and one in the middle.

Once you have all 4 triangular into place. You need to place 1 connector ring to the top end of the triangular pieces.
When you have all 4 rings into place we can run the draw up cords.


To run the draw up cord.
 Tie the cord one to each ring on the ends of the triange.Use enough cord to reach the
other side of the bottom mesh when in an open position.
take the cords and thread them THRU another ring, with pliers close the ring as tight as possible.
Tie the cords to the ring.The trap should be in a closed position with cord drawn up.

 
To determine the length of cord, depending on where you are going to use the crab traps at.
some cords may only need to be as long as it takes to get from the pier to the bottom of the water.
others may need to be much deeper and will need more rope.

after determine the length of rope that you will need, Tie it to the same ring that you tied the other 4 to.

This will be the raising rope.


Crabbing 

Once you have the trap built, It's time to try it out and see what you catch.
Place a raw piece of chicken,I use a whole chicken leg. take the leg and tie it to the bottom of the trap. This keeps the crabs or whatever else from running off with it.
set the trap by lowering it into the water and letting it rest on the bottom. now the wait begins. after 30 minutes or so go back and  gently raise the trap.