How to Use Shrimp Traps
A shrimp trap is made of metal wire mesh that is commonly formed into a rectangular shape. Bait placed inside the trap lures shrimp into a special opening that prevents easy escape. Shrimp traps are set in various depths of water depending on location, personal preference and shrimp activity. Proper rigging of the trap is necessary to successfully catch shrimp in open ocean waters.
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Things You'll Need
- Shrimp trap
- Trap harness
- Lead weight
- Plastic zip ties
- Lead-core fishing line
- Marker float
- Wood burner
- Canned tuna
- Church-key can opener
Instructions
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1
Attach weight to the bottom of the shrimp pot. Use any type of weight that can be adjusted, such as a 1-lb. dumbell plate. Attach the weight to the bottom of the shrimp trap with plastic zip ties. Adjust the number of weights used based on personal preference, water depth and fishing conditions.
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2
Connect a four-strap harness to the shrimp pot. Attach one string or strap, depending on model, to the each of the four corners of the trap. Secure the harness string or strap to the trap with the snap on the end of the string or strap.
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3
Tie a length of lead-core fishing line to the ring on the center of the shrimp trap's harness. Use a trilene knot to secure the line to the harness ring. Determine the water depth at high tide in the area to be shrimped. Add 25 percent to the total water depth to determine the amount of line needed.
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4
Tie the opposite end of the lead-core line to a marker float. Choose a float that is at least 11-inches long and brightly colored. Engrave the float -- using a wood burner -- with the registration number of the boat used to set the shrimp pot.
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5
Create holes in a can of tuna with a church-key can opener. Place the tuna in the trap and secure the trap's door.
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6
Drop the shrimp trap in the desired location in the water. Allow the pot to soak or set based on personal preference.
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References
Resources
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