How to Rig a Counterweight Fish Trap

A counterweight trap utilizes a weight and a trigger mechanism to capture animals. A counterweight trap for fish uses these same principles. The trap uses a few basic items and takes only a few minutes to set up to begin fishing. This type of trap is useful in survival situations, however, check with local laws regarding the use of traps to catch fish before using this type of trap for recreation.

Things You'll Need

  • Tree
  • Rock
  • Rope
  • Stick
  • Knife
  • Fishing line
  • Hook
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a tree located close to the water with a "Y" shaped branch hanging over the water. If no branch is over the water, select a branch that is on the water side of the tree.

    • 2

      Find a rock to act as the counterweight. The rock size and weight needs to match the type of fish you may catch. For example, a blue gill, which is a small fish, will not trigger a counterweight trap with a large rock. A smaller rock is required for smaller fish.

    • 3

      Tie one end of the rope securely around the rock that was selected.

    • 4

      Throw the rock and rope over a higher tree branch of the tree with the "Y" shaped branch.

    • 5

      Raise the rock off the ground by pulling on the rope. The height of the rock will depend on the size of the rock and the fish being caught. The larger the rock and the greater distance it falls increase the amount of force to set the hook. The force needs to be great enough to set the hook but not too great where it will pull the hook out of the fish's mouth. This may take multiple attempts to get the correct height established.

    • 6

      Tie the rope to both ends of the stick. The stick is the balance to the counterweight and is located on the underside of the "Y" shaped branch. Wrap the rope around the stick 1 inch from the end.

    • 7

      Situate the stick so that the trap will trigger when slight pressure is placed on the line.

    • 8

      Drape the rope over the branch of the "Y" limb is opposite the side of the stick which will move first when the trap is triggered. Test this by pulling the line to see which side of the stick moves first. Once determined, gently pull the rope tight.

    • 9

      Tie fishing line onto the rope above the water. The fishing line will be harder to see in the water. Fish line also makes tying the hook onto the line easier.

    • 10

      Add the hook to the other end of the fishing line, bait and begin fishing.