Table of Contents
5 BEST CRAWFISH TRAPS FOR COMMERCIAL & ADVENTURE SPORT
- Best Under $50 # 1 : Frabill Rectangular Bait Trap
- Best Under $50 # 2 :Frabill Crawfish Trap 31”x9”, Multicolor
- Best for the Money # 3 :Protoco 9 x 9-Inch Crawfish Trap Black/Orange
- Best Under $50 # 4 :Promar Collapsible Crawfish
- Best Overall # 5:Protoco 19 x 24-Inch Shrimp/Crawfish Trap
Crawfish or otherwise known as crayfish is one of the most consumed freshwater delicacies throughout the world. Catching them is relatively easy and if you are quick enough you can catch them with your hands just stay away from the pincers they can pinch you really bad. But if you are looking for a big catch then you need to have a trap for that. To show you around the best ones we have prepared a list of crawfish traps for you.
Crawfish traps are widely used by commercial fishermen and enthusiasts who want to spend their weekends catching crawfish and having a good time. Mostly crawfish are consumed but many fishermen use them as live bait to catch fish and crabs.
Crawfish traps are convenient and easy to use. You just need to bait it and wait for the tasty crustaceans to enter the trap. As these crustaceans have a wide range of diets you can use anything as bait such as pieces of fish or fish food and they will flock your cage.
Catching crawfish might be easy but choosing the best trap is easier said than done. The traps are inexpensive and easily bought but due to the large variety of traps choosing the best one might be a little difficult. But you don’t need to worry as we have gathered all the information, functions, and specifications of the traps and prepared a list of crawfish traps under 50$.Continue reading as the
Best crawfish traps Under $50 for commercial & personal Use
1. Frabill Rectangular Bait Trap | Heavy-Duty Vinyl-Dipped Steel Mesh Trap
If you are looking to trap crawfish and minnows as a bait or dinner the Frabill crawfish trap is your first choice. Unlike its competitors, the Frabill trap is extremely affordable and one of the best crawfish traps under 50$. It is suitable for commercial and recreational uses due to its easy-to-use design.
Weighing in at 2 pounds the Frabill crawfish trap is extremely lightweight. But being lightweight doesn’t mean it’s not durable. It has a prominent build and a strong steel wire mesh structure. The structure is vinyl coated to protect it from corrosion and harsh saltwater environments. Coated in black color provides perfect camouflage in swampy waters.
The size of this trap allows a big catch as it measures 18.5″ x 8.5″ x 8.25″. The base of this crawfish trap is flat and sits on the bottom perfectly allowing the crustaceans to enter. There are two large-sized conical entrances for the crawfish to enter and cannot leave the trap.
This crawfish trap is easy to carry around as the top has two heavy duty metal handles. To empty the cage there is a sliding type door that opens and closes with the help of sturdy metal hinges. To close the sliding door there is a spring loaded hook and a metal carabiner.
The Frabill crawfish traps offer value for money and long service life due to their durable construction. These features make these the best crawfish traps under 50$.
Pros
- Highly durable construction.
- Better value for money.
- Protective coating with long life service.
- Camouflage characteristics.
- Provides a bigger catch.
Cons
- Might be a little heavy.
- Doesn’t come with a bait holder.
2. Frabill Crawfish Trap 31”x9”, Multicolor, One Size, 1273
We are here with another one of Frabill’s crawfish traps for you. This crawfish trap is shaped like a torpedo and it helps minimize your efforts to catch them. Its cylindrical shape is designed for use in water rapids and calm waters alike and can be placed along the length of a freshwater creek.
This Frabill crawfish trap has three pieces and is constructed from durable steel mesh. For corrosion protection, the mesh is dipped in black vinyl. The middle section is a cylindrical-shaped structure connected on both sides with conical-shaped one-way inlets for crawfish. Metal rings provide strong support and high-strength hinges open and close the cage. This strong design makes the Frabill crawfish traps long lastingly durable.
The structure measures at 31inches long and 9 inches wide it is extra-long and covers more area and captures more crawfish. The torpedo shape can withstand high water pressure and a high volume of water.
Inlets for crawfish entrance are conical and placed on the sides. These are one-way entry-only holes. The mesh holes are small enough to hold the crawfish inside. Setting up this three-piece trap is extremely easy and with two openings put the bait in lock it and you are good to go; Similarly emptying it is also easy.
With an affordable price tag and durable long-lasting structure, this is the best crawfish trap under 50$.
Pros
- Easy assembling trap.
- Durable construction.
- Easy to bait.
- Reasonably priced.
- Can be used in any type of water.
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a bait holder.
3. Protoco 9 x 9-Inch Crawfish Trap Black/Orange, 9 X 9 X 24-Inch
If you are on the lookout for a crawfish trap that is non-collapsible then the Protoco’s trap could be your choice. It is a well-constructed trap for crawfish, shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Due to their design and affordability, these traps are favorite among commercial and sport trappers.
This trap box is made of high tensile steel wire welded to form a cage mesh. To protect the metal it is coated with polyethylene polymer to protect against corrosion and saltwater conditions. It measures 9 x 9 x 24 inches in size which can trap a decent amount of crustaceans and fish. The quarter-inch mesh holes keep the crawfish trapped unless removed manually.
Two funnel-shaped entrances are made of plastic with orange color. One is securely attached to the structure while the other is hinged to open and close for emptying the trap easily. Anything that gets inside of this trap has no chance of leaving out.
This trap comes with a built-in bait box that has a separate opening at the top. Built-in the center it is easy to load the bait and it also strengthens the trap. This way you don’t need to carry an extra bait box with you so you can carry the trap filled with bait to the spot directly.
With an affordable price tag, these crawfish traps are the best crawfish traps under 50$.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Built-in bait box.
- Decent sized for a large catch.
- Can trap other crustaceans.
- Corrosion proof structure.
Cons
- The inlet tunnels might need more securing.
4. Promar Collapsible Crawfish / Crab Trap – 32″ x 20″ x 12″
Number 4 on our list is Promar collapsible crawfish traps. You get the best value for money because of this crawfish trap and it is suitable for crab and shrimp as well. This is the best crawfish trap under 50$ so don’t waste your time and effort on other inferior traps of the same category.
These crawfish traps collapse like a clamshell and this makes it easier to carry numerous traps one on top of another. you can effortlessly fit as many traps in your vehicle or boat as possible as it weighs only 0.32 ounces. This makes it ideal for commercial trapping.
The tough polyethylene net is durable and will last for a long time. Due to the small holes measuring ½ inch diamond-shaped, you can trap all crustaceans and prevent their exit. The trap has an extensive configuration, allowing you to catch several shrimps or crawfish at one throw. It measures 32 x 20 x 12 inches due to its large size it can trap and hold a big catch.
Although it has a foldable design the supportive lines all around are made from hardened steel making the structure more sturdy and flexible enough to withstand the forces of the sea or a swamp.
These crawfish traps come with a bait bag that can be set up easily by putting it inside through the entry hole. There are only two tunnel-type entry holes for crustaceans and fish to get inside and they can’t get out unless removed by the trapper.
Pros
- Collapsible design.
- Extremely lightweight.
- Easy to carry multiple nets.
- Small holes that prevent crustaceans from escaping.
- Easy to use.
- Comes with a bait bag.
- Large-sized to trap a big catch.
Cons
- The net might need frequent repairing.
- Cleaning the net might be tricky.
5. Protoco 19 x 24-Inch Shrimp/Crawfish Trap
Finally, we come to the Protoco crawfish traps which are a little on the pricey side as compared to other traps on our list. But we have to include it here because it is still affordable and provides the best feature to be a strong contender on our list of crawfish traps.
This Protoc crawfish trap is well constructed to be used in any water condition no matter salt or freshwater. It is suitable for trapping crawfish, shrimp, and crabs. The structure is made from a strong steel mesh. The trap measures 9 x 24 inches and is coated with a polymer vinyl layer to protect from corrosion.
This trap comes with a built-in bait holder which makes it easier to load the bait from a door at the top. You will be relieved of carrying additional bait boxes and load the traps on the shore. With four entrance funnels from each side, it increases the chances of catching more crustaceans. One of the inlets is hinged for the open/close function to empty the trap.
One of the inlets has a rot-away cord tied so if unfortunately your trap is washed away the crustaceans might have a living chance to escape the cage. Because you have to be trapping crayfish with responsibility.
These crawfish traps from Protoco might be a little pricer than the rest on our list but the durability, ease of use and built-in bait holder made us put it on our list of best crawfish traps under 50$.
Pros
- Durable design.
- Corrosion resistance.
- Built-in bait box.
- Multiple entrances.
- Spacious trap size.
- Can be used to trap shrimp.
Cons
- Price is a little higher than the rest of the traps on our list.
CRAWFISH TRAPS Buyers Guide
When buying a crawfish trap it is important to know what you need. As there are many options to choose from there are a few factors to look into before making any purchase. We believe that this buyer guide will let you determine the best crawfish trap according to your needs. Following are some important elements which we will discuss in detail for you.
Storage Capabilities
The storage capability is an important factor to look into because if you are a regular crawfish trapper then it means you need to carry all the traps to and from the storage area to the water. Having a portable trap is the best idea because it makes it easy for you to carry it.
Most of the traps are collapsible, some are foldable and others are fixed steel cages. The collapsible and foldable traps are ideal because they require less space to stack up more and are lightweight as well. Storing and transporting these types of traps is relatively easy and without much effort.
Rigid metal cages can be a little heavy but they can also be stacked up but they will require more space. If you don’t have a problem with space-saving then these are a good option too otherwise collapse traps are much better for space-saving.
Effortless Gathering
Setting up a crawfish trap might be easy but emptying it might take some effort. If the trap has a small entrance then emptying it might get difficult if you have a big catch on your hands. So you might want to look into the traps which are convenient to empty.
If your trap has only one way of entering and getting out then if the hole size is small you are going to lose some sweat doing that. But a trap with a bigger entrance might let the trapped crawfish run away after munching on the bait. So you should always consider the size of your catch relevant to your trap inlet.
Most of the traps have a separate door for putting the bait and emptying your catch. This makes it a lot easier for you to effortlessly gather your delicious crayfish. So as always consider the most convenient trap for effortless gathering.
Durability
Durability is an important aspect to look at while buying a crawfish trap. You don’t want to purchase a trap that doesn’t last very long and either you have to do maintenance or replace it.
You should look into the design and construction of the trap as it has to withstand years of wear and tear. Also, look into the factor of how much maintenance will be required on your behalf to make the trap last longer.
A durable trap will stay sturdy even in harsh conditions and those made with steel or coated materials are long-lived due to anti-corrosive properties. So always look for durable properties in crawfish traps.
Material and Construction
The most important thing to look for in a crawfish trap is the material used in it. The durability of a crawfish trap depends on its materials and construction. Most traps are made from high-grade steel constructed into a mesh design. This provides sturdiness and a protective vinyl coating protects it from corrosion.
As the traps have to spend most of their life underwater and under extreme stress of wear and tear a metal mesh cage structure is what you should look into before buying.
While some traps are made from steel others have a strong nylon netting which can be long-lasting with a little bit of maintenance here and there. The net-type traps are foldable and easy to carry as well. So if you are looking for some space-saving then net-type traps are also a good choice for crawfish trapping.
Mesh Hole Size
As the crawfish on the average measure from 2.5-3 inches the mesh hole size is also important to look into. If the mesh size is bigger than your catch then it’s of no use. Most of the metal traps have a mesh hole size of ½ inches to ¼ of an inch. While the net type traps have the same size holes and some even have smaller holes to trap shrimps.
These holes also determine the flow of water through it. So always go for the appropriate size mesh hole traps according to the crawfish you are going after as some species may be smaller.
Weight
Checking the weight of a crawfish trap is also essential as the heavier it is more difficult it will be to carry. Most metal traps are heavy but they offer extreme durability and provide a big catch depending on the crustacean population.
There are lightweight and foldable traps that are easy to carry and work just as fine as their heavy metal counterparts. If you are looking for lightweight traps then nylon net type or foldable metal traps are an ideal choice.
But if you have no problem with some extra weight and want a long-lasting trap then metal crawfish traps are the best option for you. But it is a better option to choose a product that is both lightweight and durable in the long run.
Crawfish Trap Designs
Crawfish trap designs depend on the materials that are used to construct them. Mainly the metal traps are designed as square or rectangular mesh cages, circular or torpedo-shaped cages. The net-type traps come in a variety of shapes and the most common are rectangular or dome-shaped.
The metal traps have either one or more entrances that are cone-shaped and these are one way meaning the crawfish is not able to escape the trap. Some metal cages have bait holders and a separate door to load it with bait and empty the trap easily.
The net-type traps are mostly foldable with metal bars as a support structure. These types of traps usually have two or more than two tunnel-type entrances which are one way and the bait has to be put inside through the entry hole and the trap has to be emptied that way as well.
Each and every design of crawfish traps have their own advantages and you should choose a design according to your needs.
Crawfish Bait Box
After everything is said and done don’t forget about the bait because without bait you will only catch some seaweed or debris. Some traps come equipped with a bait box and either in a cylindrical or rectangular shape and others have a net bag to place the bait.
If a trap comes equipped with a bait box then you only have to fill it and let the bait do its magic. But if you have to buy one then choose it wisely as if the mesh holes are wider then your bait might run out quickly.
Crawfish have a wide range of diets so choose your bait accordingly and that fits inside the bait box to attract the maximum number of delicious crawfish.
FAQ’s
Q. Can I use crawfish traps for other types of crustaceans and fish?
Ans. Yes, you can use these traps to catch shrimp, crabs, small fish, and even lobsters.
Q. Are the metal crawfish traps foldable?
Ans. No, the metal crawfish traps on our list are not foldable but the net type traps are foldable and easy to carry.
Q. How does camouflage work to trap crawfish?
Ans. The traps on our list are coated with black vinyl which blends in the dark water and surroundings and makes it unnoticeable. As all animals stay away from large bright colored objects perceiving them as predators and stay away from them.
Q. How does the crawfish trap work?
Ans. Crawfish traps work by attracting the crustaceans to the bait inside the trap. As they have a strong sense of smell they flock towards the trap and once they enter the trap they can’t leave it because of the one-way entrance.
Q. How long should the trap be left inside the water?
Ans. Leaving the trap in water depends on the density of crawfish in the area. Leaving it in water from somewhere around a few hours to overnight is recommended for a large catch.
Q. Which trap works better?
Ans. All the traps listed here work better. Each type of trap has its own advantage and it depends on your needs and how you plan to use it.
Q. Does the mesh holes and entrance size matter for a trap?
Ans. Yes, the mesh hole and trap entrance size really matter. If the size of the holes and entrance is larger than your catch you wouldn’t be able to trap the crawfish. Always choose an appropriately sized mesh hole and trap entrance for your crawfish trap.
Q. What are the best place to put a crawfish trap?
Ans. Crawfish traps are most effective in shallow water. it is a river or a lake. Placing crawfish traps underneath the external edge of the water might be beneficial. In freshwater, crawfish are most commonly found.
