How to Build a Crabbing Cage

Crab is a sought after seafood dish and is caught by both recreational and professional crabbers. The techniques employed by the recreational crabbers are simpler than those of the professionals. The professionals will use crab-pots or trout-lines, while the recreational crabbers will tie bait to a string or use a homemade crabbing cage. The bait that these two fishermen use differs as well. Recreational crabbers typically use chicken necks, while commercial crabbers use oily bait such as eel, bull lip and bait fish.

Things You'll Need

  • Wire fencing with a 1-by-1-inch grid
  • Wire ties
  • Rope
  • Wire snippers
  • Floating identification method
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Instructions

  1. Do It Yourself Crab Cage Construction

    • 1
      The pieces should be cut so that when they are assembled the cage is a square or rectangle shape.

      Cut the wire fencing into pieces for the crabbing cage. You will need to cut a top, bottom and four sides. The exact measurement for each piece is up to the maker but you must make sure the top and bottom pieces are identical to each other and the same rule applies to the sides. A good starting size for a crab cage is 12-by-12-by-6 inches.

    • 2
      The size of the doorway will be determined by the type of crab you are trying to catch.

      Assemble the cut pieces of the wire fence to form the cage. The wire ties should be used to secure the corners and hold the pieces into place. Start by taking the front panel and right side panel of the cage, lining up the corners and inserting the wire ties vertically every one to 2 inches. A door should be cut in the front of the cage only big enough for the crap to fit easily through. The doorway should be approximately 3-by-3-inch square.

    • 3
      Nautical rope should be used so that it holds up to being submerged in water.

      Attach a long length of rope to the top of the trap. This rope needs to be very secure and able to hold the weight of the trap because this is the way the cage will be pulled out of the water. Part of the rope should remain above the water level and should be attached to a floating flag or some sort of floating method of cage identification.

    • 4
      Small mesh bags of cat food can also be used as an effective bait for crabs.

      Tie the bait to the trap using string or a wire. Tie it to the top of the cage. Most recreational crabbers will use bait such as chicken livers or fish heads. Make sure the bait is tied securely so that it is available in the cage to attract the crabs.