Crab pots?

[StevensMan]

I never used those things in my life but looks like I’m going to start – I was given one. It is big, about 4 feet in diameter and quite heavy. I can not even think about taking this monster to any long trip but probably I can drop it off somewhere near ramp and pick it up on way back. What is normal size and weight for recreational crabbing pot? Can it be folded or generally they are not built this way? Also, I think it should be heavy or currents just will take it off, so how heavy those things are? I normally have enough crap to carry on my boat so I really do not like an idea of carrying those heavy metal cages around.

Thanks,
Anton

[SomeSailor]

Sounds like someone gave you a commercial crab pot. :)

Recreational pots and traps are usually rectangular boxes that collapse down and fold up for storage. They only weigh a few pounds.

[sunnydude2]

Has anyone on this board bought one of these? They fold down to a very small area.[/img] I found them at Seattle Marine http://www.seattlemarine.net/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=4503

[StevensMan]

Yes, mine is most likely commercial, I hope it is legal here :lol:
I knew nothing about Seattle Marine store, it looks like they have some crabbing stuff. Is this what normally people use on recreational boat http://www.seattlemarine.net/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=2967 ?
What else does it need? I assume it needs bait box, weight(s), rope, and float thing. From your experience does it make sence to fold crap pots for storage on boal like mine (bayliner 2355) or I better keep them assembled at foredeck?

Thanks,
Anton

[SomeSailor]

On the 2355, they fit VERY nicely in the compartment where your rear seat stows. Buy the inexpensive collapsable pots, some floats, some bait boxes and 100' of soft 3/8" yellow nylon line.

(or just call me when ya wanna go... I have 8 sets ready to go...) :D

[Randygh]

Anton--I use two of the exact Danielson traps that you listed on the above website. I put a bait box in each trap and I tie the suspended box to the top of the trap. I fold my traps and tie them onto my bow rail when traveling. (I put a small towel between the traps and the deck so they don't scratch my deck). Purchase a line weight for each float line. When you set your trap, be sure to leave enough slack line if you're at low tide, but you'll need to attach the line weight well below the float so there is no slack line to the float. I usually put my line weight 10' below the float. Don't want a boat to catch slack line in the prop. There are many crab experts in this forum. They will give you tips regarding, bait (I think there are a few Master Baiters here), hot spots for crabs (the crustean kind), and when to set the traps.

The monster pot that was given to you might make a nice yard decoration!!!

[pkrogh]

......100' of soft 3/8" yellow nylon line.:D

Don't forget to put the line weights on so that none of the line floats any
closer to the surface than about 10 feet. There's something about having
pot warp wrapped around your prop that can ruin your day. And I think the
regs say something about this.

I just use the weighted pot warp sold for the purpose.

Pete

[bradvo]

I second the weights, On my boat or any one with inboards that line can also bend your struts and cost ya some money when it wraps up good.
Brad

[Randygh]

Anton--since you are new to boating, here's another tidbit for safe boating.

Be sure your bow line is not long enough to reach your boat's propeller. I learned this the hard way on Lake Chelan with my previous boat. The water is really cold in the spring. :oops:

[pkrogh]

Be sure your bow line is not long enough to reach your boat's propeller. I learned this the hard way on Lake Chelan with my previous boat. The water is really cold in the spring. :oops:

Oh, you too huh? My dad just about had me when I did that with our old
25 Johnson. Sure put a glitch in that fishing trip!!

Pete

[dougd]

Well, here I am, late to the conversation as usual, but I'll stick in my $.02 worth anyway.

I second the suggestion of weighted line instead of weights. It might be more expensive, but it's easy. And I'm lazy. And a little paranoid about getting line around a prop. 100' of line may be more than you'll need. I started out with that much, and found that I had better luck crabbing in shallower water (30'-40' or less). I got tired of pulling all the extra line so I cut it in half.

On the other hand, my luck crabbing is pretty hit-or-miss. So if someone else says that you'll do better in deeper water, listen to them.

Doug

[SomeSailor]

More depth can be better, but it depends on the area you're in. You want your pots to sit on the shelf of an area that dumps into deeper water. In front of a river, efluant or both are pretty sure bets. Sandy / muddy bottom is essential.

More people don't like to admit it, but if you look into some of the favorite crabbing areas, they're in areas that either still are... or once were sewage outflows. I found an old map of them once and sure enough... they're right upstream of everyone's favorite spots. Stay deeper than 65'-75' on a 100' line and you'll usually get the bigger males, but you'll get crabs at almost any depth in the righ conditions.

[pkrogh]

The fish company in town here takes all the leavings out to the middle of
Port Townsend bay to dump them.
Damn good crabbing there.

Pete