Alright, let’s talk about these crabbing ring traps, you know, the things you use to catch them crabs. I ain’t no expert, but I’ve been around long enough to know a thing or two about gettin’ a good catch.
First off, you gotta understand, there’s all sorts of traps out there. Some fancy, some not so fancy. I’ve seen them big ol’ commercial traps, the kind they use on them boats. Them things, they catch a lot, I tell ya. Why? Well, they’re big, see? Big enough so them crabs can get in, but they can’t hardly get back out. Like a one-way ticket to dinner, ha!
Then you got them blue octagon traps. They’re pretty good too. Same idea, I reckon. Big enough to hold them crabs, sturdy enough so they don’t break, and easy enough for an old lady like me to handle… well, mostly easy. These new stainless steel traps, the ones that cost a pretty penny? Eh, they ain’t all that special, in my book. Catch about the same as the cheap blue ones, far as I can tell. So don’t go breakin’ the bank thinkin’ you need the fanciest thing to catch a crab.
Now, the real secret, if you ask me, ain’t the trap itself, but what you put in it. That’s right, I’m talkin’ about bait. You gotta give them crabs somethin’ they want, somethin’ they can smell from a mile away… well, maybe not a mile, but you get the idea.
- Clams and Mussels: Them crabs, they love clams and mussels. Fresh is best, of course, but even the canned stuff works in a pinch. It’s like candy to them, I swear.
- Shrimp: Shrimp is another good one. Whole shrimp, shrimp shells, doesn’t really matter. Crabs go crazy for it. I guess they like the smell, or maybe the taste. Who knows? I ain’t a crab!
- Bacon: Now, this might sound a little strange, but bacon works too. That strong, smoky smell, it just draws them crabs in. I tried it once when I didn’t have nothin’ else, and wouldn’t ya know it, I caught a whole mess of ’em. So don’t knock it ’til you try it.
But here’s the thing, every crabber worth their salt has their own special bait, their own little secret. Some folks use chicken necks, some use fish heads, some even use cat food! It’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for you and where you’re crabbin’. Don’t be afraid to try new things. You might just stumble upon the best bait in the world.
And don’t forget, it ain’t just about the bait and the trap. You gotta know where to put them traps too. Crabs like to hang out in certain spots, you know, places where they can find food and shelter. Look for areas with lots of seaweed, or rocks, or maybe near a pier or a dock. And pay attention to the tides. Crabs are more active during certain tides, so you gotta time it right.
And speaking of time, how long you leave them traps in the water matters too. Some folks like to leave ’em in for a short soak, just a few hours. Others like to leave ’em in overnight. It really depends on where you are and how many crabs are around. You just gotta experiment and see what works best.
So, there you have it. A little bit of what I know about crabbing ring traps. It ain’t rocket science, that’s for sure. But it takes a little bit of know-how, a little bit of patience, and a little bit of luck. And if you’re lucky enough to catch a bunch of them crabs, well, then you’re in for a real treat. Nothin’ better than a big ol’ pot of boiled crabs, let me tell ya. Just remember to be safe, follow the rules, and don’t take more than you need. We gotta leave some for the next fella, right?
And one last thing, always check your local regulations. You don’t wanna go breaking no rules and getting into trouble. Crabbing is supposed to be fun, not a headache. So be smart, be safe, and have a good time.
Tags: [crabbing, ring traps, crab bait, crab fishing, fishing tips, seafood]
