Where to Buy Crab Pots Near Me: A Guide to Finding and Using Crab Traps

Crab is one of the most delicious types of seafood you can catch yourself. Trapping your own crabs using crab pots is rewarding and can lead to amazing homemade dishes. But finding crab pots near you can be tricky if you don’t know where to look. This guide will walk you through the best places to buy crab traps locally and online. Plus, tips for using crab pots to haul in a fresh seafood feast!

Best Places to Buy Crab Pots Near Me

Finding crab pots in local stores is the easiest way to get your hands on them quickly Here are the top retailers that sell crab traps and pots depending on where you live

Sporting Goods Stores

• Dick’s Sporting Goods – With over 850 stores Dick’s is a prime place to find crab pots nets, lines, and bait. Their selection varies by location.

• Academy Sports + Outdoors – This Texas-based sporting goods chain sells a variety of crab traps in-store and online.

• Big 5 Sporting Goods – On the West Coast, Big 5 is your source for crab pots and supplies. Find them in over 430 store locations.

Fishing and Marine Supply Stores

• West Marine – This boating gear retailer offers various crab pots and accessories online or in one of their 275+ stores.

• Bass Pro Shops – Check Bass Pro Shops for a wide selection of crab traps and seafood gear. They have 173 locations across North America.

Hardware Stores

• Home Depot – You can often find basic crab pots and supplies in the fishing section of Home Depot stores.

• Lowe’s – Similarly, Lowe’s carries crab traps in many locations, especially along the coasts.

Local Bait and Tackle Shops

Your best bet is likely small local bait and tackle shops located where crabbing is popular. These specialty stores tailor equipment to local species and regulations. Ask for recommendations!

Ordering Crab Pots Online

If local stores don’t have what you need, purchasing crab pots online is convenient. Here are top e-commerce sites to buy crab traps and accessories:

• Amazon – Choose from a huge selection of crab pots in various styles, materials, and sizes, all shipped straight to your door.

• Walmart – This mega retailer sells folding and collapsible crab pots for reasonable prices through their website.

• Northern Tool + Equipment – Find rugged crab pots and traps built for heavy use from this supplier.

• Cabela’s – The online fishing store at Cabela’s has crab traps available in many configurations to ship anywhere.

Key Features of Quality Crab Pots

Once you find crab pots in stores or online, look for these important features to select the best traps:

• Sturdy, rust-resistant construction like vinyl-coated metal

• Multiple entrance holes for crabs to easily enter

• Escape hatches or rings to release undersized crabs

• Strong netting to keep crabs contained until you haul them in

• Floats for easy retrieval and rope for lowering and lifting

• Bait compartment to entice crabs inside

• Large capacity to hold multiple crabs at once

Following regional size and catch limits, choose the appropriately sized pot for your needs.

Using Crab Pots Successfully

Once you have your crab pot, here are some tips for putting it to work effectively:

• Add fish carcasses, raw chicken, or other bait to lure crabs inside.

• Weight the pot properly with a sturdy rope so it doesn’t shift or float away.

• Lower pots gently to the ocean floor in areas crabs are known to dwell.

• Let pots soak overnight or for at least a few hours to attract crabs.

• Slowly bring up pots to prevent crabs from escaping through the doors.

• Measure crabs to ensure they are legal size before keeping your haul.

• Return female crabs, soft shell crabs, and undersized crabs to the water.

• Check local regulations for seasonal restrictions and catch limits.

With the right crab pot and techniques, you’ll be on your way to enjoying fresh homemade crab cakes, boils, and more!

Get Started Trapping Your Own Crabs

Part of the fun of eating crab is catching it yourself. With this guide to finding crab pots at stores near you or ordering online, you’ll be ready to reel in a tasty harvest. Just grab a quality trap at a sporting goods shop, tackle store, or web retailer. Then head out to the water and put those crab pots to work reeling in a mouthwatering seafood dinner.