What Are Crab Pots? A Complete Guide to How They Work and the Best Types

Crab pots are a popular method used by recreational and commercial crabbers to catch delicious blue crabs and other crab species, But what exactly are crab pots and how do they work to trap crabs?

In this complete guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about crab pots including

• What is a crab pot?
• How crab pots work to trap crabs
• The parts of a crab pot
• Types of crab pots
• Choosing the right crab pot
• Tips for using crab pots

Let’s first look at what defines a crab pot and why they are useful tools for crabbing.

What is a Crab Pot?

A crab pot is a cage-like device used to catch crabs typically blue crabs. Crab pots are also sometimes called crab traps.

Crab pots consist of a wire mesh frame, one or more internal chambers, and have one or more openings on the sides or top that allow crabs to enter the pot. Once inside, the crabs become trapped and are unable to exit the pot.

The openings are designed so that crabs can easily enter, lured in by bait placed inside the pot’s bait chamber. However, the inward tapering shape of the openings makes it almost impossible for crabs to exit the pot once they’ve entered.

Crab pots work by taking advantage of a crab’s natural behaviors. Their curiosity leads them to investigate the tasty smelling bait, while their difficulty climbing straight up or down prevents them from leaving.

Crab pots are typically baited and then lowered to the sea floor to sit and wait for crabs to crawl inside. Once crabs are trapped within the pot, it’s pulled back up by its attached rope so the crabs can be harvested.

Compared to other crabbing methods like handlining or using nets, crab pots are a more passive way to catch multiple crabs with less effort. They utilize the movement of the crabs themselves rather than requiring the crabber to actively pursue and capture the crabs.

How Do Crab Pots Work?

Let’s look closer at the inner workings of a crab pot to understand exactly how they are able to trap crabs so effectively. While designs can vary, most crab pots utilize some key features:

• Bait box – A small mesh box or compartment within the pot that holds bait, usually oily fish, chicken, or other meat. The smell attracts crabs to the pot.

• Entrance holes – Openings around the upper half of the pot that taper inward. Allows crabs easy access into the pot but not back out.

• Internal ramps or funnels – Sloped inner wires or tunnels that guide crabs further into the pot’s chambers. Prevents escape.

• Cull rings – Circular wire rings that allow smaller, illegal crabs to exit while keeping larger keepers trapped. Required by law.

• Rope – Attached rope used to lower and retrieve the pot from the water. Usually 50+ feet longer than water depth.

• Buoy – Floats attached to the rope to mark the pot’s location on the water’s surface.

Here is the basic process of how a crab enters and becomes trapped in a standard crab pot:

1. The crab pot is baited and lowered to the seafloor.

2. The crab smells the bait and follows the scent trail toward the pot.

3. Seeing the openings in the pot, the crab crawls inside through an entrance hole to get the bait.

4. After eating, the crab tries to exit the same way but is blocked by the inward tapering shape.

5. Confused, the crab moves along the internal ramps and tunnels, getting further stuck in the pot.

6. Unable to find the original entrance hole, the crab becomes trapped within the pot.

7. When the pot is retrieved, the trapped crabs are harvested by the crabber.

This simple but clever design takes advantage of a crab’s instincts and physical limitations to capture them alive for harvest.

The Parts of a Crab Pot

Now that you understand how they work in general, let’s look at the important parts and components that make up a crab pot:

• Frame – The outer shell of the pot made from steel wire mesh. Typically 2 x 2 x 1 feet for recreational pots.

• Funnel or Tunnel – Inner tapered openings made of wire that guide crabs into the pot’s interior.

• Bait box – Holds and protects bait in a mesh box inside the pot.

• Cull rings – Required rings that allow small crabs to exit the pot.

• Entrance holes – Large tapered holes around the upper half of the pot that crabs can enter through.

• Interior ramps – Sloped wires that lead crabs toward the parlor section.

• Parlor – A separate chamber that traps crabs once they enter and can’t exit.

• Door – Allows removal of crabs after retrieving the pot. Secured by a latch.

• Latch – Mechanism used to keep the door or lid closed while soaking the pot.

• Rope – Durable rope attached to the pot frame for lowering and hauling the pot.

• Buoy – Floats on the rope’s surface end to mark the pot’s position.

These components work together to maximize the pot’s ability to attract, trap, and hold crabs until they are harvested.

Types of Crab Pots

There are a few different types and designs of crab pots used for recreational and commercial crabbing:

• Square crab pots – The most common recreational design. Square metal frame with funnels on inner sides.

• Round crab pots – Shaped like a metal cage ball. Typically used by commercial crabbers.

• Collapsible crab pots – Jointed pots that fold flat for easy storage. Popular for pier crabbing.

• Double entrance pots – Two funnel entrances on opposite sides maximize crab entry.

• Jumbo crab pots – Larger commercial size with thicker wire mesh. For big crabs like Dungeness.

• Hybrid crab pots – Combines entrance tunnels with an interior parlor chamber. Added crab retention.

The best crab pot type depends on factors like the size and species of crab you want to catch, if you’re crabbing recreationally or commercially, and how deep the water is where you’ll be crabbing.

Choosing the Right Crab Pot

When picking out crab pots, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind:

• Local crab size – The wire mesh opening size should match the size crabs in your area.

• Type of crab – Blue crab pots have smaller mesh than Dungeness or stone crab pots.

• Water depth – Pots for deeper water need heavier weights and thicker rope.

• Single vs. multiple chambers – More chambers can hold more crabs.

• Ease of use – Collapsible and lighter pots are better for piers and bridges.

• Durability – Commercial and offshore pots should have reinforced wire.

• Entryways – Optimal pots have tapered entrance holes on all sides.

• Escape rings – Required in most states. Let small crabs exit the pot.

• Budget – Prices range from $50 for recreational pots up to $200+ for commercial grade.

Doing your research and choosing the right crab pot designed for your specific needs will lead to the best results and avoid wasting money on ineffective pots.

Top-rated crab pot brands like Lester’s Crab Pots are known for their high-quality materials, durability, and excellent ability to catch crabs. Their handmade pots are engineered to outfish any other pot on the market.

Tips for Using Crab Pots Effectively

Once you have your crab pots, there are some key tips to use them effectively:

• Bait the pot generously with fresh, oily bait like chicken, turkey, or fish scraps. This creates a strong scent trail for crabs to follow.

• Weight the pot properly to keep it on the bottom. Use a enough weight to match the tide strength in your area.

• Lower the pot slowly to avoid spooking away crabs. Let it rest on bottom and wait at least 30 minutes before pulling back up.

• Soak pots at least overnight if possible. The longer soaked, the more crabs have time to enter. 12-24 hours is optimal.

• Use biodegradable bait bags to contain mess and extend bait longevity. Sturdy mesh bags prevent crabs from eating bait too quickly.

• Check local regulations for number of pots allowed per person, required escape rings, and seasons. Follow all rules to avoid big fines.

• Use a sturdy pot line and buoy. This prevents losing traps and avoids boating accidents from crossing lines.