Crab Trap Bait Holders: Why And How To Use Them

Why Use a Bait Holder in Your Crab Traps?

Adding a bait holder to your crab traps is one of the best ways to increase your crab catches. A bait holder serves multiple important functions:

Keeping Bait Secure

Without a holder, bait can easily fall out of the trap. This means crabs enter to find no reward, so they leave without getting caught. A bait holder secures the bait, meaning crabs enter and have no choice but to stay inside munching on the tasty bait until you pull up the trap.

Letting Scent Disperse

A bait holder lifts the bait off the floor of the trap allowing water and crab scent to flow freely around it. This makes it easier for crabs passing by to lock in on the scent and follow it into the trap.

Protecting Bait from Other Crabs

Crabs already inside the trap might eat some of your bait before you haul it up. A bait holder protects part of the bait from getting demolished too early. This ensures bait lasts longer to attract more crabs throughout the entire soak time.

Choosing the Best Bait Holder

You have various options when selecting a bait holder for your crab traps. The most popular choices include:

Metal Bait Basket

A metal bait basket made from galvanized steel wire is a top choice. Its metal mesh construction allows water flow while keeping bait securely inside. Being rigid, it holds its shape allowing crabs easy access inside.

Net Bait Bag

Net bait bags let water pass through easily. They come in various mesh sizes - pick a small enough weave to contain the bait chunks or fish inside. Soft netting collapses down as bait gets eaten, potentially limiting space.

Perforated Plastic Container

Hard plastic containers with small perforations work well. They keep bait in while allowing crab scent to flow out. Their solid sides protect bait from getting eaten too fast. Make sure to pick a design that allows some water flow.

Adding Your Bait Holder to Crab Traps

Once you’ve selected the right bait holder, adding it to your crab trap is simple:

Metal Hooks or Clips

Look for compatible metal hooks or clips on the bait holder to securely hang it from the top frame of your trap. This keeps it lifted up in optimal scent dispersal position. It also prevents crabs from reaching it from outside or knocking it over.

Cable Ties and String

If your bait holder has no hooks, simply use plastic cable ties or natural jute string to attach it to the top wires. Add ties/string in a few spots to keep the bait basket or bag suspended securely in place inside the trap.

Attach Bait Inside

Once mounted inside the trap, you can add your preferred bait - fresh fish, chicken, etc. Try to fill the bait holder but leave a little room for crabs to pick away at the bait from the openings.

Maintaining Your Crab Trap Bait Holder

Proper maintenance will keep your bait holder working properly for many seasons of crabbing:

Check for Damage

Inspect for any damage or holes developing in the bait holder after each use. Discard and replace holders showing excessive wear and tear.

Remove Debris

Rinse out any mud, algae, or other debris stuck inside bait holders after each use. This keeps scent and water flowing freely through.

Let Dry Out

Allow bait holders to dry fully between uses. This prevents mold or bacterial growth which could rot bait faster or corrode metal parts over time.

With the right bait holder installed, you can look forward to more crabs swarming your traps. Check all local regulations on seasons, size limits, and catch numbers to crab responsibly. Avoid overharvesting an area and be mindful of bycatch release.

FAQs

What is the benefit of using a bait holder in my crab trap?

Bait holders securely contain bait to prevent crabs entering and leaving when no reward is present. They also allow maximum dispersal of bait scent in the water to attract more crabs to enter the trap. Finally, they protect some bait from being completely devoured too quickly.

Can I make my own crab trap bait holder at home?

Yes, you can construct a simple bait holder from materials like plastic mesh, steel wire, wooden dowels, etc. However, store-bought options made specifically for crab traps often work best and save construction effort.

How often should I change out my bait holder?

Inspect bait holders before each use and discard if they show damage or excessive wear. For holders kept in good condition, aim to replace them with new ones every 1-2 years depending on usage frequency and local conditions.

What bait works best with bait holders?

Small fish like menhaden, mullet or eel pieces are classic choices. Chicken parts also work well. Bait should easily fit inside the holder but also give off strong scent to attract crabs.