Where to Buy the Best Crab Pots for Your Next Crabbing Adventure

As summer approaches and crabbing season opens up, anglers everywhere get excited to head out on the water in search of these delicious crustaceans Crabbing is a fun family activity and a great way to put fresh seafood on the dinner table But to have a successful crabbing trip, you need the right gear – starting with a high quality crab pot. So where can you find the best crab pots to get your hands on plenty of Dungeness, blue crabs, stone crabs, or whatever your local catch may be?

Having the right crab pot is key to your success out on the water. You want one that is durable, easy to use, and designed to keep crabs trapped once they crawl in. As a long-time crabbing enthusiast myself, I’ve tested out pots of all shapes and sizes over the years. In this article, I’ll share my recommendations on where to find the best crab pots based on your needs and budget.

Buying Tip #1: Purchase from a Reliable Marine Supply Retailer

For high quality crab pots that are built to last season after season, I suggest buying from a reputable marine equipment supplier. Companies like Fisheries Supply have a wide selection of crab pots and traps from top brands like SMI. The benefit of purchasing your gear from a retailer like this is that you know you’re getting durable, thoughtfully designed pots from manufacturers with decades of experience.

Fisheries Supply has a range of crab pot options including stainless steel commercial pots folding pots and different sizes and shapes to match your crabbing style. Their online selection allows you to easily compare specifications and prices to choose what’s right for you. When buying from a trustworthy marine store like this, you can feel confident you’re investing in a crab pot that’s built to perform season after season.

Buying Tip #2: Support Your Local Tackle Shop

Visiting your local bait and tackle shop is another great option for finding quality crab pots. Stores like Triangle Bait & Tackle offer crab pots designed specifically for crabbing in their local waters, like Puget Sound. Their expert staff can provide advice on selecting the right pot style and accessories for your needs.

When you shop at a local tackle store, you also get the benefit of supporting small businesses in your community. Your purchase helps keep their doors open and ensures you’ll have a neighborhood resource for all your crabbing and fishing needs. Make sure to ask about any beginner’s packages or combo kits that can get you fully equipped with a pot, harness, buoy, and line at a package discount.

Buying Tip #3: Shop Online for Convenience and Selection

The online marketplace provides a vast selection of crab pots spanning a wide range of budgets. Shopping online allows you to easily compare prices and features between budget-friendly recreational pots and heavy-duty commercial models. With the specs and reviews readily at hand, you can zero in on the ideal pot to match your experience level and needs.

Amazon and eBay in particular have hundreds of crab pot options from lesser known brands. You can find really affordable folding crab pots for under $50 to get started. Just be sure to closely read reviews before purchasing, as quality varies greatly.

For more heavy duty pots, websites like Seattle Pot Shop or Crabs and Pots offer commercial-grade stainless steel or vinyl-coated crab pots designed for years of use. Expect to spend $150 – $300 for these durable pots made specifically for crabbing.

Buying Tip #4: Watch for Seasonal Sales at Retailers

Timing your crab pot purchase right before peak crabbing season starts can mean great savings. Retailers often discount select crab pots and combo kits leading up to summer months when demand spikes.

Sign up for email alerts from your favorite marine supply store to receive notifications when crab pots go on sale. Or keep an eye out for weekly deals at local tackle shops once crabbing mania starts up. You may be able to save $10-20 on current year stock they’re looking to move out.

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Crab Pot

Once you’ve selected a retailer, here are the key factors to weigh when choosing your crab pot:

Intended use: How often will you use the pot and in what type of crabbing will you be engaged? Occasional weekend recreational crabbing in estuaries calls for a more basic portable pot. Those who crab daily commercially will need a heavy-duty pot.

Materials: Pots made from vinyl-coated steel wire or stainless steel offer durability and longevity. Plastic pots are lighter but more vulnerable to breaks.

Number of entrances: More entrances allows more crabs to enter but also provides more escape routes. Consider 1-3 entrances for brief soaks and up to 5 for overnight sets.

Entrance type: Compartment style pots with one-way entrances prevent escape. Flat bottom pots let crabs come and go freely.

Size: Standard recreational pots are around 24 inches but larger pots around 30 inches can hold more crabs.

Special features: Look for top opening pots that make emptying and baiting easier. Commercial pots may have extra metal or rubber reinforcements.

Setting a Crab Pot Budget

When setting your budget, consider that entry-level folding crab pots start around $35. Mid-range stainless steel and vinyl pots with more features run $60 – $130. Heavy duty commercial style stainless steel crab pots cost $150 – $300.

Another $40-60 will equip your pot with the needed rope, floats, and accessories for a complete setup. So expect to spend around:

• $75 to $100 for a recreational pot kit
• $175 to $350 for a commercial crabbing setup