Where Can I Buy a Crab Pot? Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Crab Trap

For seafood lovers, catching your own crabs can be an incredibly rewarding experience Not only is it a fun outdoor activity, but being able to cook and eat crabs you caught yourself just tastes better However, in order to go crabbing you need the right equipment – specifically a crab pot (also called a crab trap or crab cage). If you’re new to crabbing, you may be wondering where can I buy a crab pot? With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to know where to start. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to pick out the perfect crab pot for your needs.

Crab Pot Basics

Before diving into where to buy them, let’s first go over the basics of what a crab pot is and how it works. A crab pot is a wire mesh trap that is designed to lure crabs in but make it difficult for them to get back out. The pots have one or more funnel-shaped entrances that allow the crabs to easily walk in to reach the bait inside. Once inside though, the tapering shape of the entrance makes it hard for them to get back out. Crab pots also have a line and buoy attached so you can lower them into the water and then find them again later to check for crabs.

Crab pots are typically cube or cylinder shaped and made from galvanized steel wire or nylon-coated wire. They range in size from around 1-3 feet wide. The openings are fitted with escape rings so that smaller sub-legal sized crabs can get out. Once you pull up a pot filled with keepers, you then simply remove the crabs by hand or with a net and re-bait the pot to drop again.

Where to Buy Crab Pots

Now that you understand the basics of how crab pots work where are some of the best places to buy them? Here are the top options for purchasing crab pots and traps

Local Fishing and Marine Supply Stores

One of the best places to look for crab pots is local fishing, bait, and tackle shops, especially those near crabbing hotspots Stores like marinas, bait shops, and sporting goods retailers with a fishing section often carry crab pots and other crabbing gear The benefit of buying local is you can see and feel the pots in person before purchasing. Store staff can also provide expertise to help you pick the right trap.

Online Fishing Retailers

For wider selection and convenience, shopping online opens up many more crab pot options. Retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Fisherman’s Warehouse, Bass Pro Shops, and Cabela’s have a great selection of crab pots that you can browse and purchase online. Buying online makes it easy to compare different brands and models. Many online retailers also offer perks like free shipping. The one downside is not being able to see the crab pot in person before you buy.

Crabbing Supply Websites

There are companies that specialize specifically in crabbing and shellfishing supplies. Websites like The Crab Company, Crabs and Crab Cages, and FNW Outdoors carry a huge variety of crab pots and traps from all the top brands. Their inventory includes pots of every size along with all other needed crabbing accessories. The selection is hard to beat on these specialty sites. Just be aware of shipping costs if not ordering locally.

Direct from Crab Pot Manufacturers

Finally, you can purchase crab pots directly from popular crab pot brands like Promar, Frabill, and Lee Fisher. Going directly to the manufacturer allows you to customize features on some pots by choosing the entrance style, mesh size, and bait box. Ordering direct also lets you buy in bulk if needed for commercial use. The biggest downside is having to pay shipping costs unless local pick-up is available.

What to Look for When Buying a Crab Pot

Once you’ve narrowed down where to buy from, here are the key factors to consider when selecting your crab pot:

• Size – Crab pots usually range from around 12 inches up to 36 inches wide. Choose based on how deep you’re crabbing and how many crabs you hope to catch. Go bigger for higher yields.

• Entrance Style – Funnel, pyramid, and chimney entrances all work well. Multiple entrances give more entry points.

• Mesh – 1/2 to 1 inch vinyl-coated steel wire is best. Avoid loose messy mesh that allows crabs to exit.

• Escape Rings – Must have the proper size escape rings to allow sublegal crabs to exit.

• Buoyancy – Foam-filled floats help pots stay upright and make them easier to retrieve.

• Durability – Look for rugged, heavy-duty materials built to last through years of use.

• Price – Crab pots range from $20 for small recreational pots up to $500 for large commercial pots. Set a budget based on your needs.

• Brand Reputation – Stick to proven quality brands like Promar, Lee Fisher, and Marathon for best results.

Taking the time to find the right crab pot for your crabbing goals will pay off exponentially with an abundance of fresh-caught crabs. With so many places to buy crab pots both locally and online, you’re sure to find the perfect trap to start reeling in the catch. Happy crabbing!