11 best crawfish traps
Crawfish traps, also known as crayfish traps or crawdad traps, are devices used by fishermen to capture crawfish, a type of freshwater crustacean commonly found in rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. These traps are designed to lure crawfish inside and prevent them from escaping, making it easier to harvest them for various culinary purposes or for use as bait in fishing.
Here are some key points about crawfish traps:
Design Variety: Crawfish traps come in various designs and sizes. The most common type is a cylindrical wire mesh trap with multiple funnel-shaped entrances that allow crawfish to enter but make it difficult for them to escape.
Material: The traps are typically made from materials like galvanized steel or coated wire mesh, which is durable and resistant to corrosion, ensuring longevity in aquatic environments.
Entrances: Crawfish traps usually have multiple entrances that lead into a central bait chamber.These entrances are designed to allow crawfish to crawl in but not easily find their way out.
Bait Chamber: In the center of the trap, there is a bait chamber where anglers place bait to attract crawfish. Common bait options include fish heads, chicken necks, or commercial crawfish bait pellets.
Escape Hatches: Some crawfish traps may have escape hatches or vents to allow smaller, juvenile crawfish to exit the trap, promoting the sustainability of the crawfish population.
Buoyancy: To keep the trap from sinking to the bottom of the waterbody, crawfish traps often include buoyant materials or attached floats.
Setting Traps: Anglers typically place crawfish traps in suitable locations, such as slow-moving streams, the edges of ponds, or areas with submerged vegetation, where crawfish are known to be active.
Harvesting: Crawfish traps are typically checked regularly (often daily) to retrieve captured crawfish. The captured crawfish can be harvested for consumption or used as bait for fishing.
Regulations: It's important to be aware of local fishing regulations and restrictions regarding the use of crawfish traps, as rules may vary by region and could include limitations on trap design, size, or the number of traps used.
Commercial Use: Crawfish traps are also used in commercial crawfish harvesting operations, where large quantities of crawfish are caught for the seafood market.
DIY Traps: Some anglers and outdoor enthusiasts may opt to build their crawfish traps using readily available materials, although this may not be as effective or durable as commercially manufactured traps.
Crawfish trapping can be a fun and rewarding activity for recreational anglers and a lucrative industry for commercial operations. Properly designed and deployed crawfish traps can be an effective way to capture these crustaceans for a variety of purposes, including culinary delights like crawfish boils or as bait for catching other fish species.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best crawfish traps on the market
Frabill Torpedo Crawfish Trap | Heavy-Duty Steel Mesh
Frabill
- 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
User questions & answers
| Question: | Could this catch and hold wild shiners |
| Answer: | Depending on how you sharpened the blade and how hard you hit it would either cut into the log or bounce right off. The machete may flex a bit and return back to it's normal shape, but it will NOT bend out of shape. It's tough, to say the least. |
| Question: | What do you recommend as a clip to hold it shut |
| Answer: | Yes. I was wondering the same thing when I ordered it. It comes with a sturdy nylon scabbard. |
| Question: | What are the measurements for the entrance hole on the ends |
| Answer: | This sword is full tang. I found a Nd magnet will stick to the entire handle AND to the handguard. I haven't opened the handle so I don't know if the handguard metal is a unified part of the tang, ...or even attached. |
| Question: | What is the difference between the crawfish trap and the minnow trap -- will the minnow trap also work for crawfish |
| Answer: | The blade is 12 inches long, the whole knife is 17 inches long. |
Product features
Frabill Crawfish Trap
Whatever you call them – crawfish, crayfish, mudbugs or crawdads – this trap will find them. The two-piece design easily separates to facilitate easy baiting and catch removal, with a torpedo shape that works through heavy currents and calm waters alike.
Frabill Rectangular Bait Trap | Heavy-Duty Vinyl-Dipped Steel Mesh Trap | Available in Models Specific to Crawfish or Minnows
Frabill
- 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
User questions & answers
| Question: | What size are the holes in the mesh |
| Answer: | Yeah this thing can take out anything u put it thro I use mine for bushcraft and. Hiking and. It clears the war perfectly |
| Question: | in wy. the law says the opening can only be 1 in. for minnos what can I do |
| Answer: | Yes. I use the Lansky puck on my Kabar Kukri and it works great! |
| Question: | Could this be used to catch frogs in pool with |
| Answer: | That's hard to say since cold steel uses a lot of different types of steels in their knife making; including 1055 High carbons.The CRKT uses 65Mn steel which is probably equivalent to 1065 high carbon steel. Hope that helps. |
| Question: | can this be used for copperhead snakes |
| Answer: | The point of balance is about 7 inches down the blade. |
Product features
Frabill Rectangular Bait Trap | Heavy-Duty Vinyl-Dipped Steel Mesh Trap
They may have many names (crawfish, crayfish, mudbugs or crawdads), but they all serve one purpose for anglers: bait. This heavy-duty rectangular trap presents an adjustable entry on the flat bottom that helps crawfish get in but won't let them out. Access your catch or add bait through the easy-access door.
- Heavy-duty, vinyl-dipped steel mesh construction
- Black color provides camouflage
- Easy-access door
- Adjustable entry on flat-bottom trap
About Us
Success doesn’t just land in your lap. To truly master a skill, you need two things: preparation and repetition. Anglers generally don’t have a problem with the practice part. However, finding the right gear that performs when you need it is never a given. That’s where we come in.
Since 1938, Frabill has been trusted to position anglers for success. From bait management solutions, to ice shelters, to landing nets, we provide a robust collection of high-quality, performance-driven products to help you reach your fishing goals. Whether you’re seeking records or memories, we’re here to create experiences that are not just enjoyable, but truly unforgettable.
Frabill Crawfish Trap 31”x9”, Multicolor, One Size, 1273
Frabill
Product description
Frabill's largest torpedo trap, this heavy-duty steel mesh enclosure offers big returns on crawfish. The three-piece design breaks apart for easy baiting and catch removal, secured by two spring slips for closure. Pull in a supersized haul of crayfish with this supersized trap!
- Frabill | Trusted By Anglers Since 1938
- Extra-long to cover larger area and bring in more crawfish | Three-piece design simplifies baiting and catch removal
- Torpedo shape works in current or calm waters | Heavy-duty, vinyl-dipped steel mesh construction | Black color provides camouflage
- Dimensions: 18" x 10" x 9" | Includes two spring clips for closure
User questions & answers
| Question: | Would this work for eels |
| Answer: | Very thick. Just under 1/4 an inch. Excellent survival knife. Will handle just about any job needed. |
| Question: | Size says 9 x 9 x 18. Can't be ! What is the total length with the center entension |
| Answer: | Ships to:United States |
| Question: | How big are the opening |
| Answer: | CONTACT COMPANY. I DON'T KNOW. |
Product features
Frabill Minnow Trap Galvanized
Our largest torpedo trap, this heavy-duty steel mesh enclosure offers big returns on crawfish. The three-piece design breaks apart for easy baiting and catch removal, secured by two spring slips for closure. Pull in a supersized haul of crayfish with this supersized trap!
- Extra-long to cover larger area and bring in more crawfish
- Heavy-duty, vinyl-dipped steel mesh construction
- Black color provides camouflage
- Three-piece design simplifies baiting and catch removal
- Torpedo shape works in current or calm waters
- Includes two spring clips for closure
- Specially designed to trap crawfish/crayfish/mudbugs/crawdads
Protoco 9 x 9-Inch Crawfish Trap Black/Orange, 9 X 9 X 24-Inch
Protoco Enterprises
Product description
The CT24 Crawfish Trap was designed for the person who wants to catch Crawfish with every pull anywhere. Simply toss the Crawfish Trap into the water and let the Crawfish come climbing to the delicious bait. The Crawfish Trap measures 24" x 9" x 9" high. The mesh that is used is a 1/2" x 1" and is a perfect Trap for catching Crawfish anywhere you fish. Small and affordable and made of high quality materials you expect from Protoco.
- These Crawfish Traps are favorites of sports and commercial trappers
- Trap comes with a bait Box already built into the center of the Trap, easily accessible for loading in the bait to catch those scrumptious Crawfish
- The steel mesh is coated in a durable Black Polyethylene coating to protect against all of the elements of the salt water making
- Two Orange tunnels are a coned design allowing the Crawfish to enter for the bait and have no chance to leave until you remove them
- To remove the Crawfish, one of the tunnels is designed to hinge down for easy removal of the Crawfish
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can this be used for minnows |
| Answer: | 3 1/2 inches wide |
| Question: | Is this trap collapsible for storage/carrying purposes |
| Answer: | The openings on the minnow trap are too small for crawfish. |
| Question: | What is the gauge of the wire |
| Answer: | Very. |
| Question: | How big the hole where the crawfish enter |
| Answer: | You would have to check with the UK weapon limitations. I.E. blade size ECT... |
ieasky Fishing Bait Trap,2 PCS Crab Trap Minnow Trap Crawfish Trap Lobster Shrimp Collapsible Cast Net Fishing Nets Portable Folded Fishing Accessories,12.6X20.1inches
Ieasky
- WIDELY USE:With 2PCS portable automatic telescopic shrimp crab traps,it is convenient and simple, no need to install, easy to use.
- HOW TO USE：Open the trap，then put baits into bait pouch.Just to wait the fish, shrimp, crabs and other aquatic organisms swim through the front and rear of mouths into the cage, that the prey can not come out again.
- SUPERIOR MATERIAL:Made of Double layer nylon mesh & durable steel wire support,make the crab net durable and lightweight.
- ZIP DESIGN:It is convenient to take out the prey from the zipper opening, instead of taking it out from the hole with difficulty
- Size:Diagonal:12.6''x12.6''/32x32cm; height (stretched): 20.1''/53cm;Please feel free to contact us for more suggestion and opinions, your satisfication is our motivation of improving.
User questions & answers
| Question: | is this good for ocean lobster |
| Answer: | No, I do not think this is a good option. I would use a fine mesh net to dip them out. |
| Question: | I need to catch and remove some small goldfish from my garden pond. Will this work for goldfish |
| Answer: | I would say no. Main reason being, I received 2 faulty traps. They didn't even come with a door. I would not buy this trap. |
| Question: | does both ends open and close |
| Answer: | I is a nice trap for perch & goldfish but I catch shiners with a through net. |
| Question: | Is this trap good for catching crabs |
| Answer: | the clip is included. attach the rope to the clip. |
Product features
Size:Diagonal:12.6''x12.6''/32x32cm; height (stretched): 20.1''/53cm
Made of Double layer nylon mesh & durable steel wire support,make the crab net durable and lightweight.
With foldable design，it is convenient to store and carry.
ZIP DESIGN:It is convenient to take out the prey from the zipper opening, instead of taking it out from the hole with difficulty
PuDong Crawfish Trap，Crab Fish Trap,Foldable Fishing Bait Trap Cast Net Cage with 18 Feets Nylon Rope for Catching Small Bait Fish Eels Crab Lobster Minnows Shrimp 2 Pack
PuDong
Product description
2-Pack Foldable Fishing Bait Trap Cast Net with 18 Feets Nylon Rope is one kind of durable and high quality fishing net cage for catching small fish, eels, crab, lobster, minnows, shrimp and crawfish. Material: Nylon Net, Alloy Package Content: 2-Pack Cast Net Cages with 2 Nylon Rope of 18 Feets
- Uses 8 solid steel bar bracket, so that the net could stay strong
- Durable and High Quality Fishing Net Cage
- Special Zipper Design easy to put bait and take out the fish, crab, lobster and crawfish
- 93 * 93cm large fishing net with 8 holes.
- Package Content: 2-Pack Cast Net with 2 Nylon Rope of 18 Feets and Packing Bag
User questions & answers
| Question: | How much can you catch at most at a time |
| Answer: | I have a canon printer, I didn't have any issues with smearing. |
| Question: | What's the size of this fish net |
| Answer: | I made a wall decal and it adhered without a problem. I did wipe the wall with alcohol to make sure it was clean. |
| Question: | Can this be used in salt water |
| Answer: | Is it possible you printed on the wrong side? I did that with a different brand and the same thing happened. |
| Question: | How about the quality,easy to break |
| Answer: | Our printable vinyl sticker paper can be written on, but you need to use a sharpie, and it’s not easy to erase after it’s dry. |
Promar Collapsible Crawfish/Crab Trap 24"x18"x8" - American Maple Inc TR-101, Fishing Accessories, Multi, One Size
Promar
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.
Promar TR-503 Crawfish/Bait Trap, 24-Inch by 12-Inch Collapsible Black Netting
Promar
Product description
These traps are great for catching Smelt, shrimp, minnows, crawfish, and just about any kind of bait. Built with a spring pop-out design, these traps open automatically in one quick step and fold for easy storage. Each trap features a zippered pocket for bait and a zippered access to catch. Complete with hand rope. Constructed with durable polyethylene netting.
- 24" X 12" Dimensions
- Dual 5 inch entrances
- Polyethylene netting
- Zipper bait pouch
- Completely collapsible
- Sport type: Fishing
User questions & answers
| Question: | Does this trap have an emergency escape for crayfish is the trap is lost |
| Answer: | Pretty certain that's the stored / nested length |
| Question: | In what country is this manufactured |
| Answer: | a little to big. i added water bottle end to the ends. i would say about 2 inches in diameter |
| Question: | Will this be able to catch fish (sunfish, smallmouth bass, larger dace, maybe small perch) up to |
| Answer: | I’d say Roughly 1/4 to 3/8 inch |
| Question: | How much does this item weigh |
| Answer: | Buy one specifically for your needs since this one is designed for crawfish. |
Product features
Promar TR-503
These traps are great for catching Smelt, shrimp, minnows, crawfish, and just about any kind of bait. Built with a spring pop-out design, these traps open automatically in one quick step and fold for easy storage. Each trap features a zippered pocket for bait and a zippered access to catch. Complete with hand rope. Constructed with durable polyethylene netting.
Angler Access
Trap is constructed with a zipper access point the the cylinder of the trap.
Professional Grade Crayster Crawfish Lake Trap
Crayster
Product description
These traps are extremely durable and have been heavily tested for quality and construction. It’s safe and recommended for use in lakes, rivers, and streams. – 16 gauge steel – Powder coated in lake camouflage – Contains a bait trap internally to hold the crawfish bait. – 25′ of 550 pound paracord in camouflage with 2 carabiners – 3.5 lbs in weight – Easy to use locking mechanisms – Able to catch very large crawfish that other traps simply can’t catch. * Highest Quality, Made and Fabricated in the United States
- Professional grade trap made in the U.S.A.
- 16 gauge powder coated steel with built in bait box
- Includes 25 feet of 550 lb. rope and carabiners
- Free Crayster quick start crawfishing guide
- Patented Crayster technology for catching big crawfish faster
User questions & answers
| Question: | Mesh size? State has requirements want to make sure this meets it |
| Answer: | No. Not collapsible |
| Question: | Can this be used for blue crabs |
| Answer: | Not sure. But I used it many times and nothing broke! |
| Question: | Are these traps collapsable for storage |
| Answer: | 1.9" X 1.9" square |
| Question: | Does this have a biodegradable escape hatch |
| Answer: | An eel? Lmao yeah probably. It’s not a great minnow trap. The one I got it actually said crawfish trap. The hole was bigger than the hole on a normal minnow trap. Making it worthless to me. I could see an eel crawling it’s nasty ass in there for sure! |
Jmkcoz 1PC Crab Trap Crawfish Lobster Shrimp Collapsible Cast Net Fishing Nets Black Portable Folded Fishing Accessories
Jmkcoz
Product description
Specifications:
Material: Galvanized steel wire + Nylon
Open size：25 X 45cm
Enter Hole Diameter : 10.5cm
Color: Black
Features:
Two opening on the two side, for more crabs entering
Foldable and portable, convenient to carry and easy to use
Can be used to catch crabs, fish, lobsters, shrimps, crawfish, crawdad, etc.
Package include:
1 x Crab Net
- MATERIAL: Galvanized steel wire and Nylon. Supply of high-quality high-performance spring cage. This product is a new generation of fishing equipment, which uses a galvanized (plastic) steel wire and polyethylene mesh and pure hand processing made. SIZE: 10“x17.7"(25 * 45cm); Enter Hole Diameter : 4.1"(10.5 cm)
- CONVENIENT TO CARRY: It has a convenient operation, economic and other characteristics. Can be folded hand storage, greatly reducing storage and transportation costs. This product is the first choice for outdoor recreational fishing, can be folded and very easy to carry. Do not take up space and easy to close up, easy to carry that the traditional quartet cage can not match.
- WATERPROOF: The product is made of high strength material, so it is stronger in water that can increase the amount of capture. Each product can be based on customer requirements with the release of the rope and more convenient for customers to use. Plastic-coated steel wire waterproofis better than wear leather, more durable, increase the service life.
- APPLICATION: It can be used to catch crabs, fish, lobsters, shrimps, crawfish, crawdad, etc. Put the bait in the cage, then put the cage into the water. Just to wait the fish, shrimp, crabs and other aquatic organisms swim through the front and rear of mouths into the cage, that the prey can not come out again.
- QUALITY GUARANTEED: Jmkcoz is delicated to provide you better products and sercvice. You will get three months replacement or money refund if you have any problem on product. Please feel free to contact us for more suggestion and opinions, your satisfication is our motivation of improving.
User questions & answers
| Question: | How long should I leave it out to catch craw fish |
| Answer: | They will be perfect for that. |
| Question: | Has anyone ever tried to use this to catxh turtles? I have one of the metal ones but it doesnt work |
| Answer: | No it opens from the middle with a zipper |
| Question: | If its only one pound how will it sink to bottom of water |
| Answer: | Yes except the quality is horrible and don't last |
| Question: | how much does it weigh |
| Answer: | not really. they get out unless they are big minnows. the holes are to big |
Protoco 11 x 18-Inch Crawfish Trap
Protoco Enterprises
Product description
The CT18R Crawfish Trap was designed for the person who wants to catch Crawfish with every pull anywhere. Simply toss the Crawfish Trap into the water and let the Crawfish come climbing to the delicious bait. The Crawfish Trap measures 18" x 11" x 5.5" high. The mesh that is used is a 1/2" x 1" and is a perfect Trap for catching Crawfish anywhere you fish. Small and affordable and made of high quality materials you expect from Protoco.
- These Crawfish Traps are favorites of sports and commercial trappers
- The Crawfish Trap comes with a bait Box already built into the center of the Trap
- The steel mesh is coated in an extremely durable Black Polyethylene coating to protect against all of the elements of the salt water
- The Crawfish are easily removed by dipping upside down and pouring the Crawfish out
- They swim in and cannot get out because the opening is on two ends of the trap
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