9 best collapsible crab pots

Collapsible crab pots, also known as crab traps, are specialized fishing devices used by crabbers and fishermen to catch crabs. These traps are designed to be collapsible or foldable, making them convenient for storage and transport. Here's what you should know about collapsible crab pots:

  1. Design: Collapsible crab pots are typically made of wire or mesh material and are designed in a way that allows them to be folded or collapsed into a more compact shape when not in use. This collapsible design makes them easy to carry to and from the fishing location.

  2. Usage: Crab pots are used to catch various species of crabs, including blue crabs, Dungeness crabs, and stone crabs. They are commonly used by recreational crabbers as well as commercial fishermen.

  3. Bait: To attract crabs, bait is placed inside the crab pot. Common bait options include fish heads, chicken necks, or other seafood scraps.The scent of the bait lures crabs into the trap.

  4. Entrances: Crab pots have one or more entrances through which the crabs enter. Once inside, it can be difficult for the crabs to find their way out, as the entrances are designed to prevent escape.

  5. Escape Rings: Many crab pots are equipped with escape rings or escape vents to allow undersized or non-target crabs to exit the trap. This helps conserve crab populations by ensuring that only legal-sized crabs are retained.

  6. Floats and Line: Crab pots are usually attached to a line with a buoy or float at the surface. This float makes it easy for the crabber to locate and retrieve the pot.

  7. Regulations: Crabbing regulations can vary by location and species. It's essential for crabbers to be aware of local crabbing regulations, including size and catch limits, licensing requirements, and seasonal restrictions.

  8. Cleaning and Maintenance: After each use, crab pots should be cleaned to remove any residual bait and debris. Proper maintenance ensures that the traps remain in good working condition.

  9. Environmental Considerations: Crabbers should be mindful of the environment and avoid disturbing sensitive habitats when setting and retrieving traps. It's important to minimize the impact on the ecosystem.

  10. Safety: When handling crab pots, it's essential to take safety precautions, as crabs can have sharp claws and may pinch if not handled carefully.

Collapsible crab pots offer an efficient and effective way to catch crabs, whether for personal enjoyment or commercial purposes. They are particularly popular among recreational crabbers who enjoy crabbing from piers, docks, or boats. Before using crab pots, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with local regulations and best practices for ethical and sustainable crabbing.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best collapsible crab pots on the market
  

2 Pack of KUFA Sports Vinyl Coated Steel Ring Crab Trap (Size:ø30) with 50' Rope CT90x2 (Large)

KUFA Sports

Based on 33 reviews Check latest price

Product description

KUFA sports crab traps and accessories offer sport fishermen a wide variety of proven styles and sizes of live traps for crabbing. Our traps/pots and all kind of accessories are fishing the Pacific ocean in California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Alaska. Please chose the right trap and accessories according to your local fishery regulation.

  • Vinyl Coated steel frame durable and strong.(30-Inch diameter)
  • This product features highly durable polyethylene netting
  • 17-Inch deep net ensures optimal catch security
  • The large 16-Inch bottom ring is ideal for accommodating large crabs
  • The thick orange rope ensures visibility in inclement weather conditions

User questions & answers

Question: Do these come with the bait hooks
Answer: The blade is very sharp, the makeup speed is very fast, almost no chipping
Question: Are these traps good for blue claw
Answer: I used it for 1 week, at least 20 minutes each time, I used to saw some discarded wood

Product features

2 Pack of KUFA Sports Vinyl Coated Steel Ring Crab Trap (Size:ø30) with 50' Rope CT90x2

  • 30"(Upper)x16"(Bottom)x18"(Depth)
  • Stainless steel Wire bottom
  • Highly durable polyethylene netting

Promar Heavy Duty Collapsible Crab Pot, 32" x 12" Poly with Hinged Tending Door - Alaska Legal

Promar

Based on 15 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Promar collapsible crab pots fish as well as rigid pots but only take up a fraction of the space. This 32" X 12" pot will collapse to 1.5" tall within seconds. This is incredibly convenient and practical especially when boat and/or stowing space is limited. Vinyl coated steel frame and heavy duty poly netting, steel hinged tending door, 4 3/8" escape rings, and 3 gated tunnel entrances. Alaska Legal. Also legal in WA, OR, Northern CA. Check your local and state regulations for season and gear restrictions.

  • Collapses to less than 2" for easy stacking, stowing, and transport
  • Vinyl coated steel frame and heavy duty poly netting
  • 3 tunnel entrances with optimized mesh ramps
  • Steel hinged tending door
  • Incredibly effective on dungeness and rock crab

User questions & answers

Question: I have never seen a collapsible trap. How does it stay in the open postition? Does it use springs
Answer: I would say no...it dies one very quick cut with each activation. It would take forever and ruin your blade
Question: does it have rot cord to make it California legal (when cord is gone, it should have a hole at least 5 inch wide
Answer: Hello. It is a pruning shear what allows you to clean or cut tree branches. It is powered by electric and cordless. If you have demands, welcome to buy our production. Thank you.
Question: From the description i see that the pots have 4 3/8" escape rings. do they have the cotton tie panels required to use them in se alaska
Answer: That depends on how hard the wood is. I have cut thru an inch with soft wood...wont be as successful with a hard wood...but a few attempts it can be done. I will say I love these as everyone who uses them are just amazed. We had a wind storm and I had a mess of branches and vines down. These work amazing. I was so thankful I purchased these. They make short order out of trimming and cutting back and cleanup. But don't use for more than an inch diameter.
Question: Do you need the 4 arm harness to pull this pot up or is there a loop in the middle for just one rope?? Thx
Answer: Yes, you can. i tried use it to cut

Promar TR-555 Folding Crab Trap with top Door 24"" x 22"" x 13""", Multi

Promar

Based on 71 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Headquartered in Gardena, California – Promar is a global leader of fishing tackle accessories and outdoor products. With over 60 years of manufacturing and product development experience, we currently manufacture more than 500 products under our brands. Driven by innovation and rooted in quality, Promar premium products are designed, built, and customized to provide an enhanced experience for the outdoor enthusiast.

  • 4 entrances
  • Collapses flat
  • Hinged tending door
  • Two 4 3/8 inch escape rings

User questions & answers

Question: What do you use the trap for
Answer: This trap is designed for Dungeness, Rock, and Stone Crab. This trap is not recommended for Blue Crab.
Question: There were rubber bands on the trap doors when I got it but not in pictures. Are they required to keep doors shut
Answer: I think those are just for shipping. Legally, at least in California, it is required to have cotton rope which can rot away and release the crabs should the crab pot be lost.
Question: Are the grid openings small enough to prevent blue crabs from escaping
Answer: The escape holes are 4 3/8" and the grid is much smaller than that. Typical Legal limit for blue crab is 5" (at least here in SC) so this should be fine.
Question: Can the crab go outside the trap door or it’s one way open door
Answer: The entrance doors on this trap are one-way doors. The crab can get in, but not get out.

Product features

Promar TR-555

Perfect for crabbing, the Promar Folding Crab Trap makes a great choice for recreational and professional crab enthusiasts. Featuring four entrance doors, a tending door, and two 4 3/8" escape rings, you are able to catch and hold the desirable sized crabs you’re after. Construction of vinyl-coated steel wire, this durable trap folds flat for easy transport and storage.

Angler Access

Trap is constructed with harvest door on the top of the trap. Trap does not include a bait box/holder.

Promar Collapsible Crawfish/Crab Trap 24"x18"x8" - American Maple Inc TR-101, Fishing Accessories, Multi, One Size

Promar

Based on 477 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Widely used by professionals, commercial fishermen, scientific groups, and recreational anglers to catch fish and crustaceans such as crawfish and crab. The fully collapsible design allows for easy baiting and tending as well as efficient transport and stowing. Once collapsed the traps take only a few seconds to set back up. Comes with starter drawstring bait bag, securing clamps, and easy carry handle. Measures 24-Inch Length, 18-Inch Width, 8-Inch Height. Check your local and state regulations for season and gear restrictions.

  • Trap collapses to less than 1-Inch for easy stacking, stowing, and transport
  • Takes seconds to bait and set up
  • 2 entrances
  • Effective and efficient

User questions & answers

Question: how heavy is this cage
Answer: It is not heavy the cage frame is about 8 gauge metal and the screening is like a nylon. I would say maybe 1-2lbs
Question: Can this be used to catch dungeness crabs
Answer: I am not sure, the trap opening(s) are a narrow slits that the crap actually has to push at nylon mesh to slip thru to get in to the trap. It worked great on Blue Crabs and the trap folds nice and flat, easy to transport. I got a metal clip for the center of the trap to make sure it did not open accidently and tied my buoy rope to the that clip.
Question: Does this work on an ocean pier
Answer: You would have to weigh it down to use it on a pier. I've caught plenty of blue crab off the pier. Works great!
Question: Will this trap hold up to for Blue Crabs and Stone Crabs
Answer: We only used it for blue crabs and it worked fine. We were pleasantly surprised that it worked given its collapsible feature.

Product features

Promar TR-101

Widely used by professionals, commercial fishermen, and scientific groups to catch fish and crustaceans, these multipurpose traps are popular simply because they are effective. Unlike traditional traps, their collapsible design allows fishermen to carry more traps while eliminating excessive bulk on board.

Angler Access

Centered hinged closure with locking snaps.

KUFA CT50 Sports Foldable Crab Trap with 3 Durable Stainless Steel Spring, 30" x 10", Black

KUFA Sports

Based on 28 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Can fold to flat in 3 second with 3 stainless steel clip lock, Size: 30" x 10"(H); Weight 7Lb, 2 Single direction Entrance with ramp, 3 Durable stainless Steel spring made by spring steel.

  • Collapsible Crab Trap, Trap Size: 30" x 10"(H); Weight 6Lb
  • 2 single direction Entrance with ramp
  • 3 durable stainless steel spring made by spring steel
  • Can fold to flat in 3 second with 3 stainless steel Clip lock
  • Large top open door easy to pick up crab traps

User questions & answers

Question: What is mesh size
Answer: You need harness
Question: Is it legal in California
Answer: There is no bait hook come with this one. Thanks!
Question: Is the mesh tight enough for blue crab
Answer: I guess it depends on how deep you set them. I use them for Dungeness on the Oregon coast in the bay. Crabs can get out if you don't pull them up fast enough.

Product features

KUFA CT50 Sports Foldable Crab Trap

Collapsible Crab Trap, Trap Size: 30" x 10"(H); Weight 6Lb

2 single direction Entrance with ramp

3 durable stainless steel spring made by spring steel

Can fold to flat in 3 second with 3 stainless steel Clip lock

Large top open door easy to pick up crab traps

2 Pack of KUFA Rubber Wrapped Steel Ring Crab Trap (Size:ø30) with 50' Rope CT88x2

KUFA Sports

Based on 14 reviews Check latest price

Product description

KUFA sports crab traps and accessories offer sport fishermen a wide variety of proven styles and sizes of live traps for crabbing. Our traps/pots and all kind of accessories are fishing the Pacific ocean in California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Alaska. Please chose the right trap and accessories according to your local fishery regulation.

  • 30"(Upper)x16"(bottom)x18"(deepth)
  • Stainless steel Wire bottom
  • Highly durable polyethylene netting

Product features

2 Pack of KUFA Rubber Wrapped Steel Ring Crab Trap (Size:ø30) with 50' Rope CT88x2

  • 30"(Upper)x16"(Bottom)x18"(Depth)
  • Stainless steel Wire bottom
  • Highly durable polyethylene netting

Danielson Pacific FTC Crab Trap-24in x 24in x 13in,Blue

Danielson

Based on 539 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Danielson Pacific FTC Crab Trab is constructed of vinyl-coated steel wire and measures 24" L x 24" W x 13" H. It features four entrance doors and two escape rings for small crabs with a fall-away rot-cord system to disable the trap should it not be retrievable. Folds flat for easy transport and storage.

  • As a favorite of sport and recreational crabbers throughout the Pacific Northwest for the last 40 years, the original folding crab trap for Pacific Northwest crabs has sold over 1 million traps
  • Constructed of vinyl coated heavy duty steel wire, its durable design stands up to heavy use in salt water
  • The trap expands to 24 x 24 x 13 inches and folds flat for easy transport and storage and features four entrance doors and two escape rings for small crabs
  • Proven effective at catching Dungeness and Rock Crabs and meets all legal requirements for crab traps in Washington and Oregon with a fall away rot cord system to disable the trap should it not be retrievable
  • Simple design ensures easy bait placement for bait cages or bait bags. Catch your own delectable crab

User questions & answers

Question: Does it come with the rod-cord
Answer: i do not know want a rod-cord. is if you are asking if it comes with a rope then no it does not
Question: Is there a bait cage in the trap
Answer: No you will have to get one. But the Danielson bait trap is great.
Question: after assembling the trap I broke the rubber bands off, are these supposed to stay on the entry doors I so how do the crabs get in
Answer: The rubber bands need to be removed. Crabs get in by pushing the doors in. They can't push out. If you are in California, you do have to modify the excapes ring with the cotton line to meet the new regulations.
Question: Can this cage catch lobsters
Answer: It won't catch any lobsters, unless it's pig size lobsters

KUFA (CT50+CAQ3) X2 2-Pack of CT50 Sports Foldable Crab Trap with Red/White Floats Harness Bait Bag

KUFA Sports

Based on 14 reviews Check latest price

Product description

KUFA Sports Collapsible Crab Trap, Trap Size: 30" x 10"(H), Can be collapsed to 30"x 2"(H), save a lot of space on your boat, easy to organize. Come with necessary accessories, ready to go for your crabbing

  • KUFA Collapsible Crab Trap, Trap Size: 30" x 10"(H), Can be collapsed to 30"x 2"(H)
  • The crab trap can fold to flat in 3 second with 3 stainless steel Clip lock
  • Large top open door easy to pick up crab traps
  • 2 single direction Entrance with ramp; 3 durable stainless steel spring made by spring steel
  • Crab Trap accessory combo including: 14" Red/White float, Bait Case, Harness, 1/4" x 100' lead core sinking line & Crab Caliber

Product features

KUFA (CT50+CAQ3) X2 2-Pack of CT50 Sports Foldable Crab Trap with Red/White Floats Harness Bait Bag

  • KUFA Collapsible Crab Trap, Trap Size: 30" x 10"(H), Can be collapsed to 30"x 2"(H)
  • The crab trap can fold to flat in 3 second with 3 stainless steel Clip lock
  • Large top open door easy to pick up crab traps
  • 2 single direction Entrance with ramp; 3 durable stainless steel spring made by spring steel
  • Crab Trap accessory combo including: 14" Red/White float, Bait Case, Harness, 1/4" x 100' lead core sinking line & Crab Caliber

2-Pack of KUFA Vinyl Coated Crab Trap & Accessory kit Including 100' Rope, Caliper, Harness, Bait Bag & Red/White Float

Zaltana Camping -- Dropship

Based on 164 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Vinyl Coated Crab Trap (24"x24"x12"H) with 4 one way door.100' Rope Crab Clipper (Good for WA,OR & AL) Durable 4 Arm Harness Bait Bag with rubber locker easy to open and clase Red/White Float

  • Vinyl Coated Crab Trap (24"x24"x12"H) with 4 one way door.
  • 100' Rope with the choice: 5/16" Lead Core Rope; 1/4" Lead Core rope; 5/16" Non lead Sinking Rope; 1/4" Non lead sinking rope; 1/4" Poly rope with clip on weight
  • Crab Clipper (Good for WA,OR & AL)
  • Bait Bag with rubber locker easy to open and clase
  • Red/White Float; Durable 4 Arm Harness

User questions & answers

Question: Do the traps fold flat for storage
Answer: Dear, you can purchase Size: 5.1 "to 9", EXPANDABLE and COLLAPSIBLE – Vegetable steamer basket collapsed diameter is 5.1 inches. It expands to 9 inches once petals are stretched out
Question: How big are big are the escape rings
Answer: EEDAN-Stainless Steel Vegetable can be machine-washed in the dishwasher. It is very clean. Some customers have actually tested it.
Question: Is this legal in California
Answer: The stretched mesh size is 4", means each side is 2". Thanks!
Question: Does this also come with the fish net just like in the picture
Answer: I think so because it is come with a single strand untreated cotton twine with hook on the top.
Question: Can you use this with an instant pot
Answer: No. The escape doors are too large they can easily go out. Also the door clip is too light so they don't have any trouble getting out.
Question: Is this dishwasher safe
Answer: It uses tension spokes to keep its shape. Think "springy". The only way to keep it collapsed is wrapping a bungie around the frame - which it comes attached.
Question: Will this work with a pot that is 5.5” wide
Answer: The top has a bungy that is secured with rot cord. Also had escape hole near top. It is Washington legal at least
Question: Is it dish washer safe
Answer: According to the description they are Alaska legal they have worked well for me

Product features

Steamer Basket for Vegetable or Much More

It not only can be vegetable steamer, but also seafood, egg,dumplings or meat steamer with this stainless steel steamer basket for daily cooking.

EEDAN Instant Pot Accessory for Steaming Food Stainless Steel Steamer Basket

Material:stainless steel

Diameter:5.1 to 9 inches

Steamer Basket Size: Collapsed Diameter is 5.1" . Expandable to 9"

Basket legs are 1.6 inch in length to keep food above boiling water. 2.6" extendable handle rod helps easy insertion to the deep pot and safe removal from the pot

Extendable Handle easily lift steamer from the pot

This steamer basket with extendable handle, easily lift the steamer basket from instant pot .

Food steaming, healthier cooking way

You need this steamer basket for healthier food.

Because steaming is a healthy cooking choice,it helps retain more than 90% of the nutrients lost when either boiling or microwaving food.

Collapsible Steamer Basket with Foldable feet

Foldable feet with Silicone on them, keeps them from scratching your pots.

It is foldable design for room saving when no use

Exquisite gift

Steaming is a healthy cooking choice, perfect gift with this steamer basket for friends or family

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