How to Use Crayfish Traps

Use traps instead of a line and pole to catch large quantities of crayfish.

Over 330 species of crayfish -- also known as crawfish, crawdads or mudpuppies -- are found in United States waters. While there are a number of ways to catch crayfish, traps are the most productive. Crayfish traps -- whether wire, plastic, hand-made or store-bought -- allow trappers to catch large quantities of crayfish. The cylinder-shaped devices are used by commercial trappers and leisure fisherman.

Things You'll Need

• Bait
• Bait trap
• Fishing line
• Floating buoy

Instructions

1. Purchase fresh, oily fish as bait. Options include salmon, herring, shad or carp.

2. Chop up the heads, entrails and fins of the fish; place these attractants in a bait box. Bait boxes are made of mesh, and are usually available at fishing supply stores. The crayfish tear off small pieces of bait, slowing down the rate of consumption and spreading scent in the water. The scent attracts more crayfish.

3. Place the bait box in a plastic bag; put it in the freezer to extend the bait scent up to 24 hours. Freezing the bait box also allows for convenient storage.

4. Attach the bait box to the inside of the trap with wire or string. The bait box must be located away from the trap's entrance. Close the trap.

5. Submerge the trap in a location featuring rocks, algae or grass. Most rivers, ponds, lakes and streams contain crayfish. These crustaceans typically feed after dark.

6. Attach the fishing line to the trap; the line must be long enough to reach the bottom of the water where you are trapping. Secure a floating buoy to the end of the line, marking the location. Tie the buoy to a dock, tree limb, or other stationary object.

7. Check the trap after about an hour. Move the trap to a new location if it has failed to produce.

8. Leave the trap in the water after determining that crayfish are present in a particular location. If the trap has an escape-stopper, leave it overnight. An escape-stopper is a device built inside the trap that prevents crayfish from leaving after they feed. Empty the trap every three to four hours if it does not have an escape-stopper.

References

• Terry Bullard: Tips & Tricks in Catching Crayfish
• Trapper Arne: Good Bait For a Good Crayfish Catch
• Trapper Arne: Catcing Crayfish with Trapper Arne
• Crayfish Facts: A Guide to Using Crayfish Traps
• Cajun Crawfish Pie: How to Catch Crawfish
• Trapper Arne: The Crayfish - A Decapod

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish