How to Use a Shimp Trap
Fresh shrimp is both popular and versatile. It can be used in a wide variety of recipes from fried shrimp to pasta, and can also be useful as bait for catching almost any species of salt-water fish. While shrimp is traditionally caught with a casting or drag net, this is a difficult and time-consuming process. Commercially available shrimp traps are an easy-to-use, dependable alternative. Just follow the steps below, and you'll be catching your own fresh, delicious shrimp in no time.
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Instructions
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Set Up
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1
Set up your trap according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some traps are collapsible and just need to be unfolded. Others require some assembly. In either case, shrimp traps are not complicated and the instructions should be straightforward and easy to follow.
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2
Place your chosen bait inside the trap. Most kinds of salt-water fish will work well. Many fishermen choose bait fish like herring or mullet because they are cheap and easily obtained from your local bait shop. Any part of the fish will work, but it is best to use the head of a large fish as it will last longer than fleshier parts of the fish.
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3
Tie one end of the nylon rope to the shrimp trap. There is usually a ring or other fastening point on the top of the trap. Make sure the knot is tight, or you might lose your trap.
Placing the Trap
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4
Find a suitable area to place your trap. Look for shallow bays where the water is relatively still, though not stagnant. The best places for setting shrimp traps are near existing docks or piers. If you're unsure, look for areas where others are already fishing for crab or shrimp.
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Drop the baited trap in the water while holding on to the other end of your line. Let the trap fall until it has touched bottom. Fifteen feet should be more than enough rope for most areas, but if your trap isn't touching bottom, you may need to get more.
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6
Let the trap sit. It may take a few hours for shrimp to find the bait, so be patient.
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Check the trap at least once every five hours. While you want the trap to sit long enough to collect shrimp, you don't want to wait too long or the captured shrimp may die.
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Tips & Warnings
You can use any kind of rope to secure your trap, but nylon rope is best because the salt water won't hurt it. Cotton or fiber rope will eventually rot through and have to be replaced.
