Ever dreamed of hauling in a bucket overflowing with delicious crayfish? That savory, sweet meat is a real treat, but getting them to willingly enter your trap can feel like a mystery. Many anglers buy traps that just don’t work, leading to frustrating days with empty nets. Choosing the wrong trap means wasted time and, worse, no tasty dinner!
The market bombards you with different trap styles—wire cages, collapsible nets, and various bait pockets. How do you know which one actually attracts those clever crustaceans in your local pond or river? We understand the confusion. That is why we put together this guide to cut through the noise.
Inside, you will learn the secrets to selecting a crayfish trap that consistently brings in a good catch. We break down the best designs, materials, and tips for setting them up perfectly. Get ready to trade frustration for success. Let’s dive into the world of effective crayfish trapping!
Top Crayfish Trap Recommendations
- Frabill | Trusted By Anglers Since 1938
- Two-piece design simplifies baiting and catch removal
- Torpedo shape works in current or calm waters | Black vinyl-dipped steel provides camouflage
- Dimensions: 10" x 9.75" x 9" | Includes spring clip for closure
- 2 Piece Rigid Crawfish Torpedo Trap - Crawdad Crayfish Trap great for creeks and ponds
- Lined entry hole to prevent escapes
- Compliant with DFW Regulations
- Collapses for easy storage
- Designed in San Diego, CA USA
- MAterial： The galvanized 0.16 in steel wire is used as a circular spring cage, and the mesh of the polyethylene mesh is hand-processed to provide stability and durability and convenience. Suitable for salwater and fresh water
- DESIGN: 7.1in (18cm) network entrance and 0.39in/1cm mesh design to help you catch more prey you want to catch
- ADVANTAGE: The special openable design makes it easier to take out the captured prey. Avoid being bitten by prey during operation. Package: 1* Fishing Trap, 1 * 32 Feet(10Meter) Hand Ropes, 1 * Bait Bags, 1* Trap Bag
- EASY TO CARRY: Size: 11.8 in x 23.6 in (30cm x 60cm), foldable design, easy to carry up without taking up space. It is the first choice for most outdoor recreational fishing.
- APPLICATION: It can be used to catch crabs, baits, lobsters, crayfish, shrimps, reptiles, etc. Simply place the bait in the bait bag, then hang the bait bag into the middle of the net, place the cage in the water, and wait for the prey to enter the cage from both sides of the entrance
- 2 Piece Rigid Crawfish Torpedo Trap - Crawdad Crayfish Trap great for creeks and ponds
- Two-piece design simplifies baiting and catch removal Lined entry hole to prevent escapes
- Rope clip included
- Collapses for easy storage
- Crawfish Minnow Trap Crawdads Crayfish Heavy Duty Bait Trap Designed in San Diego, CA USA
- Package Information:24in x 10in large folding fishing trap, compact when folded to just 12in x 11in x 2in for easy carrying and storage. The complete set includes: bait bag/bait box, rope, folding fish bucket, and floating ring—everything you need for a successful fishing trip.
- Wide Range of Uses:6-hole, 6-sided 360° design ensures high efficiency, perfect for catching shrimp, crab, minnows, lobster, crawfish, and other crustaceans in various water environments.
- Durable & High-Quality Material:Sturdy steel wire frame resists deformation, while the PE polyester netting ensures long-lasting use. Features a special large zipper for easy access to your catch.
- Quick Set-Up & Easy to Use:Place bait inside the bait bag and secure it with the zipper.Submerge the trap in water and tie it with the included rope.Transfer your catch to the convenient folding fish bucket. Simple and efficient!
- Important Notes:Avoid sharp rocks and branches to prevent mesh damage. Suitable for streams, lakes, rivers, and seas—ideal for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.Pre-Use Tip: The folding trap has a waterproof coating that may initially have a slight odor. Simply rinse with clean water before first use to eliminate the smell. This all-in-one fishing kit is designed for portability, durability, and maximum catch efficiency!
- Product Include: Our product includes 2 packs of fishing bait traps, size approx. diagonal:11.8''x11.8''/30x30cm; height (stretched): 23.6''/60cm, suitable for catching crayfish, lobster, small fish, small shrimp, crabs, minnow, and crawfish.
- Double-layer Nylon Braided Net: These folding cast net are made of strong double-layered nylon mesh, ensuring its durability and lightweight nature. The tightly woven structure and fine craftsmanship make it resistant to bite and tear, enhancing its longevity. This portable crab catcher is equipped with a sturdy stainless steel wire frame. providing stability and ensuring the net sinks quickly and remains in the correct position.
- Easy to Use: The net can be used as a crab trap by opening the trap and placing bait inside the bait bag. Its design allows water creatures like fish, shrimp, and crabs to enter the net easily but prevents them from escaping.
- Zip Design: This minnow trap features a zipper design that allows you to retrieve the caught prey from the net without having to take them out through the opening. This makes the process more convenient and efficient.
- Collapsible and Portable Design: The folding crawfish trap comes in a collapsible design, also light-weight, easy to carry, store, unfold and close. Its foldable and extendable design makes it highly portable, fitting easily into a backpack or fishing gear.
- Frabill | Trusted By Anglers Since 1938
- Heavy-duty, vinyl-dipped steel mesh construction battles open water to help you land healthy, wild crawfish
- Black color provides camouflage
- Saltwater & Freshwater Tested
- Convenient Design with 14.5m Rope: The construction of A1FISHER crawfish trap simplifies both baiting and catch removal. Ideal for both novice and experienced users, this practical design enhances efficiency during setup and cleanup. With 14.5m Orange rope, used for hauling in crawfish traps.
- Spring Clip for Closure: Equipped with a sturdy spring clip, the clip locks the two parts together, which helps your catch stays secure and efficiently reduces the possibility of losing one piece of the trap.
- Black Vinyl-Dipped Steel Frame: Crafted with durable black vinyl-dipped steel, this trap blends easily into underwater environments. The non-reflective finish camouflages the trap, preventing crawfish from detecting it. The vinyl layer also adds corrosion resistance.
- Heavy-Duty Steel and Small Hole Size: Built with reinforced steel wire mesh, this trap withstands harsh conditions and repeated use. The 1.6'' hole size deters crawfish from escaping.
- Versatile and Portable Design:Size: Opening Dia 8.9'', Height 8.3''. Its durable materials handle rugged terrain, rocky bottoms, or dense vegetation, making it adaptable to lakes, rivers, or streams. It is sturdy yet lightweight. 3Packs.
The Ultimate Crayfish Trap Buying Guide
Ready to catch some delicious crayfish? Choosing the right trap makes all the difference. This guide helps you pick the best one for your fishing adventures.
Key Features to Look For
Good crayfish traps share a few important traits. These features help you catch more crayfish and make your trips easier.
Trap Design and Entry Points
- Funnel Entry: Look for traps with one-way funnels. Crayfish crawl in easily but struggle to find the way out. This is the most important design feature.
- Multiple Entrances: Traps with two or more entrances often catch more crayfish in a single drop. More doors mean more opportunities!
- Size Matters: Ensure the entrance holes are large enough for the crayfish in your area to enter, but small enough to keep out larger, unwanted fish.
Durability and Maintenance
- Sturdy Construction: The trap must hold up against rocks, strong currents, and rough handling.
- Easy Access Door: You need a simple way to open the trap to empty your catch and bait it again. A strong, easy-to-use latch is vital.
Important Materials for Longevity
The material your trap is made from affects how long it lasts and how effective it is.
Wire Mesh vs. Netting
- Galvanized Steel Wire: This is the gold standard. Steel wire resists rust, especially when galvanized (coated to prevent corrosion). This material lasts many seasons.
- Nylon or Vinyl Coating: Some wire traps come coated. This coating adds protection against rust and makes the trap less visible underwater, which can sometimes improve catches.
- Heavy-Duty Netting: If you choose a collapsible net trap, ensure the netting is thick, UV-resistant nylon. Thin netting tears easily on rough bottoms.
Frame Structure
The frame must be strong. Heavy-gauge wire or thick aluminum tubing provides the best support. Plastic frames are lighter but can become brittle over time, especially in the sun.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all traps perform equally. A few factors separate the great traps from the mediocre ones.
Quality Boosters
- Weight: A trap needs enough weight to stay put on the bottom, even in flowing water. Traps with integrated weights or heavy frames sink and stay put better.
- Bait Holder: An internal, secure bait cup or cage keeps the bait centered and prevents crayfish from eating all the bait before they enter the trap.
Quality Reducers
- Sharp Edges: Poorly manufactured traps often have sharp wire ends sticking out. These can hurt you or snag your gear. Quality traps have smooth, finished edges.
- Flimsy Hinges: If the access door uses weak hinges or cheap plastic clips, it will break quickly. Strong metal hinges are always better.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the trap influences which style you should buy.
Portability vs. Permanent Setting
- Collapsible Traps (Net Style): These are excellent for hikers or kayakers. They fold flat, making them easy to carry. They are perfect for checking often or moving locations frequently.
- Rigid Traps (Cage Style): These are heavier and bulkier. They are better if you plan to leave the trap in one spot for several days, as they usually have better stability and capacity.
Baiting and Deployment
Most traps work best when baited with oily fish scraps (like sardine or chicken parts). Ensure your chosen trap allows you to place the bait deep inside. Deployment is simple: tie a strong rope to the trap, bait it, and lower it slowly to the bottom. Remember to check local regulations before setting out any trap!
Crayfish Trap Buying FAQs
Q: What is the best size entrance hole for a crayfish trap?
A: The ideal entrance size depends on the crayfish you are targeting. For most common species, openings between 1.5 and 2 inches wide work well. This size lets crayfish in but keeps out larger game fish.
Q: Should I use a trap with a green, black, or galvanized finish?
A: Galvanized (silver) or black traps are generally preferred. While some argue bright colors scare them, crayfish are more concerned with the bait. The most important factor is rust resistance, which galvanized metal provides best.
Q: How long should I leave my crayfish trap in the water?
A: For best results, leave the trap submerged for at least 4 to 6 hours, or overnight. Crayfish are most active during the evening and night.
Q: Can I use my crayfish trap to catch crawfish in a river or a pond?
A: Yes, most standard cage traps work well in both slow-moving rivers and still ponds. In fast-moving rivers, you must use a heavier, weighted trap so it does not wash away.
Q: How do I keep my trap from floating away?
A: Always use a strong, durable rope attached securely to the trap frame. Tie the other end of the rope to a large, visible float or anchor it to a fixed object on the shore.
Q: Are collapsible traps as effective as rigid wire traps?
A: Collapsible traps are often slightly less durable but are very effective. Rigid wire traps usually offer better long-term performance and stability in rough bottoms.
Q: What is the best bait to use in a crayfish trap?
A: Oily, smelly baits work best. Popular choices include chicken necks, fish scraps (like mackerel or sardines), or even dog food soaked in fish oil.
Q: Do I need a fishing license to use a crayfish trap?
A: This varies greatly by state, province, or country. You must check your local wildlife agency rules. In many places, a basic fishing license covers trapping crustaceans.
Q: What quality factor ensures the trap won’t rust quickly?
A: Look for traps labeled as “hot-dipped galvanized steel.” This process applies a thick layer of zinc, offering superior protection against water damage compared to simple electro-galvanizing.
Q: How do I clean my crayfish trap after use?
A: Rinse the trap thoroughly with fresh water after every trip. This removes mud, algae, and residual bait odor. Allow it to dry completely before storing it to maximize its lifespan.