Finding and Buying Crab Traps Near You: A Complete Guide

Nothing beats the excitement of pulling up a crab trap brimming with fresh crabs ready for eating! But first you need to get your hands on some high-quality crab traps. Buying crab traps near you is easier than you may think. This comprehensive guide covers where to find crab traps both in-store and online, what to look for when buying, types of traps, and tips for getting started crabbing.

In-Store Crab Trap Retailers

One of the best ways to buy crab traps is to visit your local fishing and sporting goods stores Here are some top retailers that carry crab traps

• Dick’s Sporting Goods – With over 800 locations nationwide, Dick’s has a huge fishing section stocked with crab traps, nets, lines and crabbing accessories. Check their website for nearby stores.

• Bass Pro Shops – Another major outdoor retailer, Bass Pro Shops sells everything from entry-level crab traps to commercial-size traps made by quality brands. Visit their site for store locations.

• Cabela’s – Alongside their wide array of fishing gear, Cabela’s stocks various crab trap styles and sizes. Use their store locator to find one near you.

• West Marine – Specializing in boating and fishing equipment, West Marine carries collapsible crab traps, ring nets, escape vents, floats, and bait boxes both online and in stores.

• Local bait and tackle shops – Mom and pop bait shops are a great place to chat with knowledgeable staff about the best crab traps and floats for your area.

• Hardware stores – Many hardware chains like Ace Hardware have a fishing section with basic folding crab traps and accessories like rope and bait bags.

• Camping stores – Retailers like REI sell collapsible crab traps that double as camping/survival gear.

Buying Crab Traps Online

If you don’t live near a specialized fishing store, purchasing crab traps online is convenient. Here are some top e-commerce sites to browse:

• Amazon – Search “crab traps” on Amazon to find dozens of options with user reviews. Prime members get quick shipping.

• eBay – Buy individual traps or in multi-pack bundles on eBay. Look for highly-rated sellers.

• Walmart – Along with brick and mortar stores, Walmart.com has inexpensive crab traps, nets, ropes, and bait bags.

• Overstock – This discount site sells collapsible crab traps and combo kits with lines, floats, and gloves.

• Home Depot – Browse folding wire and box-style traps plus rope, buoys, and bait bags. Opt for in-store pickup.

• Jet – Get free shipping on brand name crab traps from vendors like Promar.

• FishUSA – Huge online selection of traps, nets, lines, and bait from leading manufacturers.

• Bass Pro Shops – Buy online for in-store pickup or have quality traps shipped to your door.

What To Look For When Buying

Keep these important factors in mind when choosing crab traps:

• Size – The bigger the trap, the more crabs it can hold. Buy a size that matches the number of people crabbing.

• Dimensions – Traps around 24 x 14 x 6 inches are a good medium size. Bigger traps may require more line/rope.

• Construction – Traps made of vinyl coated steel wire withstand the elements better than cheap plastic traps.

• Type – Folding traps are portable but ring net and pyramid traps may work better. Choose based on your needs.

• Features – Escape vents, bait compartments, and multiple entrances help maximize catches.

• Price – Inexpensive traps under $20 are fine for occasional use but serious crabbers may want commercial-grade traps.

• Brand – Look for reputable brands like Promar, Frabill, and Fish Net Company that manufacture sturdy, high-functioning traps.

Types of Crab Traps

There are three main types of crab traps, each with their pros and cons.

Folding Crab Traps

• Description: Wire or plastic mesh traps that collapse flat for easy transport and storage.
• Pros: Compact, portable, budget-friendly, easy to deploy.
• Cons: Can be flimsy, don’t hold up as well over time, smaller catch capacity.

Crab Net Traps

• Description: Round or square metal ring traps with netting that constricts around crabs.
• Pros: Allows water flow, less maintenance, easy to set and retrieve.
• Cons: Crabs can escape net holes, only catches 1-2 crabs per drop.

Pyramid Crab Traps

• Description: Box-shaped traps with funnel openings and internal structure.
• Pros: Holds many crabs, durable galvanized steel, great for depths up to 600 feet.
• Cons: Bulkier, harder to deploy from shore/pier, pricier.

Tips for Buying Your First Crab Trap

If you’re new to crabbing, keep these tips in mind for buying your first trap:

• Start with an entry-level folding vinyl-coated wire trap under $20 to test if you enjoy the hobby.

• Get a measuring tape and figure out your potential drop depth so you buy a trap with a properly sized line and rope.

• Purchase some basic accessories like a rope, floats, and bait cage along with the trap itself.

• Read reviews and watch YouTube videos to pick the best type of bait for your region.

• Ask local crabbing enthusiasts for recommendations on traps and bait. Many love to share their wisdom!

• Consider getting 2-3 traps to maximize your catch potential and get the full crabbing experience.

• Buy a trap that will comfortably fit the amount of crabs you want to catch to eat or sell. Don’t skimp on size.

• Be sure to check your state’s crabbing regulations for trap requirements, licensing, and season dates.

Now that you know where to buy crab traps locally or online and what to look for during your shopping, you’ll be ready to reel in your first big catch! Just grab a trap that fits your needs and budget, bait it up, and drop it into your favorite crabbing spot. Pulling up fresh crabs for a summer crab boil or fried crab feast is one of life’s great joys. Happy crabbing!