When deployed, one ring rests on the sea floor, while the other ring is directly above it. Slip ring traps are constructed from two identical sized metal rings spaced 6 to 10 inches apart by the frame. Many crabbers also like to use them to survey an area for crab before dropping a larger pot. Ring traps are an excellent option for kayak crabbing, or any time space is at a premium.

Many crabbers like to use a special four-point harness that keeps the trap even during retrieval. Ring traps aren’t enclosed on the top, so crabs can swim or climb out the top if you’re too slow. It’s also essential to pull the trap up rapidly without pausing. You don’t want to leave the trap submerged in the water for more than 15 – 20 minutes – or else you’ll pull it up empty with your bait gone! When the trap is pulled up, the outer ring rises above the lower ring, and any crabs still inside the ring are trapped.īecause crab can easily walk in and out, it’s important to retrieve a ring trap quickly. When the trap is deployed it lies completely flat on the sea floor allowing crabs to walk in and feed on the bait. These traps are made from two concentric rings with mesh netting connecting them. They’re lightweight, collapsible and easy to deploy – which make them great for beginners or anyone with limited boat space. Ring traps are the simplest and least expensive type of crab trap. Ultimately, the best trap will be the one that enables you to catch the most crab, which isn’t always the most expensive one. There are a wide variety of traps used in recreational crabbing – starting with cheap $20 netting ring traps up to sturdy $100 plus coated stainless steel pots.

Blue crab trap