How to Build a Black Sea Bass Pot

A black sea bass pot is essentially a fish trap baited and placed specifically for catching black sea bass. The black sea bass inhabits coastal waters from Cape Canaveral, Fla., to Cape Cod, Africa. In the United States, federal law restricts the trapping of this species for its protection. While once called fish "pots," now they are called fish "traps." The pots also are smaller today than they once were because of the legal protection given to the black sea bass.

Things You'll Need

  • 20 wooden slats, 1-inch-by-3-foot
  • 4 furring strips, 1-inch-by-2-inch-by-3-foot
  • 8 furring strips, 1-inch-by-2-inch-by-2-foot
  • Drill
  • Screws
  • 2 cubic yards of 18-gauge chicken wire
  • Clip rings
  • Twist ties
  • Cord
  • Bait box
  • 2-liter soda bottle
  • Duct tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure 1/3 inch from each end of each wooden slat and drill a 1/8-inch hole. Set the slats aside.

    • 2

      Lay out two of the 3-foot furring strips and two of the 2-foot furring strips into a rectangle. The 3-foot strips will form the top and bottom of the frame while the 2-foot strips will form the left and right sides. Secure them together, keeping the rectangular shape, using screws and an electric drill. Apply a generous portion of wood glue between the joints where the pieces meet. Repeat this step to make the second rectangular frame.

    • 3

      Stand up both frames 2 feet apart. Insert a 2-foot furring strip between the two frames at the bottom left corner. Apply wood glue to the rectangular frames where they touch, and secure them in place with screws using an electric screwdriver. Repeat for the top left corners to make a box-frame shape.

    • 4

      Lay the first wooden slat to connect the front left corner to the rear left corner. Secure it in place with a finishing nail. Repeat the step for the rear right corner and front right corner.

    • 5

      Place one of the slats across the top of these first two slats as a spacer. Rest the next slat on top of the spacer, and secure it to the side of the trap using finishing nails. Repeat this process until each slat is used or the trap is completely surrounded on the outside by slats. Do not put slats on the bottom of the pot.

    • 6

      Cut a measured piece of the 18-gauge chicken wire to fit on the bottom of the pot. Use a staple gun or finishing nails to secure it in place.

    • 7

      Measure one of the narrow ends of the pot and cut a square piece of chicken wire to fit across it. Place three clip rings to connect the end piece of chicken wire to the chicken wire floor of the pot. These clip rings will act as hinges so that you can open one side of the pot to add bait or remove bass.

    • 8

      Weave a twist tie into the top of this "door" and wrap it around one of the slats on the top of the pot.

    • 9

      Cut a piece of chicken wire to fit around a 2-liter bottle. Roll the chicken wire around the bottle. Use clip rings around the wide end of the bottle to hold the circular shape. Pull the rolled sides in at the narrow end of the bottle until the opening is about 3 inches in diameter. Use clip rings to hold the shape. This will be your funnel. Remove the bottle and set it aside.

    • 10

      Place the funnel in the open end of the bass pot and secure it to the bottom frame with a staple gun or finishing nails.

    • 11

      Cut the remaining chicken wire to fill in the empty spaces around the edge of the funnel in the open side of the trap. Use the ends of the wiring to tie it to the funnel.

    • 12

      Insert the bait box into the pot and shut the door. Use a partially-opened can of moist cat food as a bait box, or a hair net stocking stuffed with fish entrails.

    • 13

      Cut a 6-foot portion of cord. Tie one end to the top front frame and the other end to the top rear frame. Make a loop in the center section of this cord and tie a longer piece of cord through the loop. Double-knot the cord since it must handle the weight of the pot and several bass as you pull it out of the water. Wrap some duct tape around the knot to hold it in place. Make the longer cord as long as the depth of the water where you are fishing.

    • 14

      Tie a float to the other end of the long cord. An empty 2-liter bottle with the cap on works.