The Importance of Using Bait Holders in Crab Traps for Better Catches

The Importance of Using Bait Holders in Crab Traps

For crab fishermen, having an effective crab trap is essential for maximizing your catch. While there are many components that go into an productive crab trap, one of the most important is having a good bait holder. The bait holder serves the crucial purpose of keeping the bait secured in the middle of the trap and away from crabs until they fully enter the trap. Using a bait holder is especially important when fishing for crabs such as blue crabs, Dungeness crabs, and stone crabs that are notorious for reaching in and pulling out bait from traps. Read on to learn why every crab trap needs a reliable bait holder.

Preventing Bait Theft

The #1 reason to use a bait holder in your crab trap is to prevent bait theft. Without a holder, crabs can easily use their claws to grab and take your bait without fully going into the trap. This robs you of the catch and wastes the precious bait you worked hard to acquire. A good bait holder will fully enclose the bait until the crab is well inside the trap, making it nearly impossible for them to take it and run. This ensures you get the most out of your bait and have a better chance at catching crabs.

Making Bait Last Longer

Another benefit of using a bait holder is that it makes your bait last longer. Since crabs can't access and consume the bait freely, they aren't able to eat as much as quickly. This preserves the bait for a longer period of time, keeping it attractive to crabs for many hours or even days. Changing bait less often means spending less time and money gathering and preparing new bait. You'll have better luck catching crabs with older bait if it's been protected by a holder.

Positioning Bait Strategically

A bait holder also allows you to position the bait strategically in the center of the trap. The confined space forces crabs to fully enter the trap before getting to the scent of the bait. A freely moving piece of bait could lure crabs to the edge but not all the way inside. Good bait holders have wire mesh or perforations so the crabs can still smell it. But the holder keeps the bait securely inside until the crabs are well within the trap. Proper bait position improves your catch rates.

Choosing the Right Bait Holder

When shopping for a crab trap bait holder, you'll find there are a few different styles and designs to choose from. The right choice depends on factors like the type of crab you're catching, the setup of your trap, and your budget. Here are some of the most popular bait holder options for crab traps:

Wire Bait Baskets

Wire bait baskets are one of the most commonly used holders with crab traps. They consist of a wire mesh cage or basket that holds the bait securely inside. Wire holders are inexpensive, simple to use, and allow water and scent to flow through. They come in a range of shapes and sizes to fit different trap layouts. Wire holders work for most crab species and are a straightforward, affordable option.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Holders

For a sturdier, more durable design, many crab fishermen opt for PVC bait holders. These are made from PVC plastic piping and fittings to create cages or tubes for holding bait. PVC has the advantages of being corrosion resistant, heavyweight, and easy to replace if damaged. The rigid plastic construction also makes removing bait difficult for crabs. PVC holders are a good choice for traps left unattended for multiple days.

Biodegradable Bait Pouches

For environmental sustainability, biodegradable bait pouches are increasing in popularity. These pouches are designed to dissolve naturally, unlike plastic holders that leave debris behind. They're made from plant-based natural fibers with a drawstring closure to contain the scent. The material also allows bait smells to flow out attracting crabs. For green fishing, reusable natural fiber pouches are a wise investment.

Metal Bait Containers

Finally, metal bait containers are sometimes used in commercial or recreational crab traps. These are cylindrical tubes with drilled holes that allow water, scents, and small bits of bait to escape. Stainless steel, aluminum, and galvanized steel are common material choices. Metal holders are very durable for repeated use. However, they also come with a higher price tag than other options.

Tips for Using a Bait Holder Effectively

While having a bait holder is critical for success, there are some tips to use them effectively:

• Make sure the holder is securely fastened in the center of the trap. It should not be able to float or drift around.
• Check that the holder allows bait smells to permeate through openings but does not let large pieces escape.
• Match the holder size to the size of your trap. It should take up no more than 1⁄3 of the overall trap space.
• Test different baits in the holder and observe which attracts crabs best. Favorites are fish, chicken, or seafood scraps.
• Consider adding a second bait holder if you're placing traps in high current waters.
• Check and refresh the bait every 24-48 hours for best performance.

DIY Bait Holder Ideas

For the handy crab fisherman, it's also possible to build your own DIY bait containers using inexpensive household materials:

Plastic Bottle Holders

Cut the bottom off a sturdy plastic soda or water bottle to create a makeshift canister. Remove the cap and puncture holes before placing bait inside. Use zip ties to fasten it in your trap.

Perforated Tin Can Holders

Clean out a tin can and use a hammer and nail to punch holes all around the sides. Attach the lid loosely with twine to allow for water flow. Place bait inside before hanging in your trap.

Mesh Produce Bags

Reuse mesh produce bags for fruits and vegetables to hold bait. They have plenty of openings for scent dispersion and are easy to tie closed. Look for heavyweight bags for durability.

Wooden Block Holders

Drill holes into a square block of pretreated wood. Insert screws or poles on the bottom to attach it to your crab trap floor. Place bait inside the block to keep it protected.

With a little creativity, you can devise all kinds of DIY bait holders at home. Just be sure to test them for durability before placing them in traps.

Why You Should Invest in a Bait Holder

As you can see, putting a bait holder in your crab trap is not optional. It's an absolute necessity if you want to catch those tasty crustaceans. While you may look at holders as just another tackle expense, they'll save you time and money in the long run. You'll use less bait, have better catch rates, and won't lose your reward to sneaky bait thieves. For the small investment, bait holders more than pay for themselves in successful fishing. Don't hit the waters without one secured safely inside your trap!

FAQs

What are the main benefits of using a bait holder?

The main benefits are preventing bait theft, making bait last longer, positioning bait strategically, and ultimately improving catch rates.

What types of bait holders are commonly used?

Common options are wire bait baskets, PVC holders, biodegradable pouches, and metal containers.

How can I make a DIY bait holder?

DIY ideas include using plastic bottles, perforated tin cans, mesh produce bags, and wooden blocks.

Where is the best place to position a bait holder?

Bait holders work best positioned securely in the center of the crab trap.

How often should I check and refresh the bait?

It's best to check and refresh the bait every 24-48 hours for continued performance.