How to Make a Crab Snare Trap

Crabbing is a common pastime in many coastal regions, where methods of crabbing vary from setting crap pots, or traps, to picking crabs up off the beach after dark at low tide. Snaring crabs with a specially designed trap, attached to the end of a fishing pole, is a productive method of catching crabs. This method works well for those that do not have the time nor resources to set out traditional traps.

Things You'll Need

  • 12-by-4-inch rectangular bait box
  • 1/4-inch nylon cable
  • Knife
  • Double cable crimps
  • Pliers
  • Bait
  • 30 pound test braided fishing line
  • Heavyweight fishing rod
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay a small rectangular bait box flat on a table.

    • 2

      Cut an 18-inch length of 1/4-inch nylon cable with a knife. Insert one end of the cable through one side of a double cable crimp. Pull the end of the cable through the crimp and run the end of the cable around one of the bars on the side of the bait box. Slide the end of the cable through the open side of the cable crimp.

    • 3

      Position the crimp so the cable forms a 1-inch loop around the bar of the cage. Align the tag end of the cable evenly with the end of the crimp facing away from the cage. Squeeze both sides of the crimp firmly in place with a pair of pliers.

    • 4

      Slide a second double cable crimp over the free end of the nylon cable. Wrap the tag end of the cable around the main section of cable and back through the other side of the crimp, forming a 1-inch loop around the cable. Align the tag end of the cable evenly with the end of the crimp facing away from the loop. Squeeze both sides of the cable crimp tightly with the pliers. Open the noose of the cable until it contacts the cable crimp attached to the bar of the bait box. Repeat this procedure, evenly spacing six to seven nooses around the edges of the bait box.

    • 5

      Fill the bait box with raw meat or fish. Secure the cover with the strap. Tie a 30 pound test weight braided fishing line -- attached to a heavyweight rod -- to the middle of the narrow end of the bait box.

    • 6

      Cast the snare into the water. Allow the snare to sit on the bottom for 10 minutes. Begin reeling in the snare to test for crabs feeding on the bait. The weight of crabs on the box will be apparent, with a little experience.

    • 7

      Reel in the line slowly so as not to dislodge the crabs from the bait box. The nooses will close around the crab's legs, securing your dinner to the snare.