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For many saltwater anglers, the difference between a slow fishing trip and a great one often comes down to having the right live bait. One of the most effective and widely used live baits along the Gulf Coast and Atlantic coast is the pinfish. Pinfish are hardy, easy to hook, and highly attractive to predator fish like redfish, trout, snapper, and grouper. The good news is that catching your own pinfish is relatively simple when using the right equipment. One of the easiest a

One of the most common questions anglers ask is: What size crab trap works best? The answer depends on where you’re crabbing, how you plan to set your traps, and how much capacity you want. Some anglers prefer smaller traps that are easier to handle, while others want larger traps that can hold more crabs at once. At OceanBuilt, we offer multiple trap sizes designed for different crabbing situations — and each size is available in configurations built for various state regula

Catching blue crabs consistently isn’t about luck — it comes down to using the right gear and setting your traps properly. Whether you’re crabbing from a dock, boat, or shoreline, a few simple adjustments can dramatically improve your results. Use a Heavy-Duty Crab Trap A well-built trap makes a huge difference. Lightweight traps with thin wire often bend or collapse after a few uses, which can allow crabs to escape. Look for traps made with heavy PVC-coated wire mesh and rig

When it comes to crab trap regulations, the term TED  can be confusing. In crabbing, TEDs are Terrapin Excluder Devices , not Turtle Excluder Devices used in shrimp trawling. Terrapin Excluder Devices are used on crab traps to prevent diamondback terrapins  from entering traps while still allowing blue crabs to move freely. What Is a Terrapin Excluder Device (TED)? A Terrapin Excluder Device  is a rigid opening or frame installed over a crab trap entrance. Its purpose is simp

When it comes to catching blue crabs, bait choice matters — but how that bait is presented inside the trap matters just as much . Crabs don’t just sniff and leave. They stay where the scent is strongest and most consistent. This is where trap design and bait strategy come together. Why Bait Presentation Matters Blue crabs are scent-driven scavengers. They follow odor trails carried by the tide, and once they find food, they tend to stay close as long as the scent holds. A tra

Pinfish are one of the most useful bait fish you can catch. They’re tough, plentiful, and a go-to bait for snapper, grouper, cobia, and other game fish. Trapping pinfish is simple — but consistent results come down to using the right bait and letting scent do the work . This guide breaks down what actually works, why it works, and how to get more pinfish per soak. Why Bait Choice Matters Pinfish are opportunistic feeders that rely heavily on smell. If your bait doesn’t put of

When crabbing or lobstering in Florida waters, knowing how to measure your catch correctly  is just as important as catching it. Florida has strict size regulations for blue crabs, stone crab claws, and lobster — and mistakes can lead to fines, confiscated gear, or worse. That’s where a Florida crab measurer  becomes an essential tool for anyone harvesting crustaceans recreationally. Why a Florida-Specific Crab Measurer Matters Florida regulations are not the same as other co

Alabama’s coastal waters and estuaries support a productive blue crab fishery enjoyed by both recreational and commercial crabbers. To protect crab populations and ensure long-term sustainability, Alabama enforces specific regulations related to size limits, trap construction, marking, and harvest practices . This guide breaks down Alabama blue crab laws in clear, plain language so you know exactly what’s required before setting traps or keeping crabs. Legal Blue Crab Size in

Florida is home to one of the most popular blue crab fisheries in the country. Whether you’re setting a few recreational traps or running gear regularly, understanding Florida’s blue crab laws is essential to staying legal and protecting the future of the fishery. This guide breaks down size limits, trap requirements, marking rules, and best practices  in plain language so you know exactly what’s required. Legal Blue Crab Size in Florida In Florida, blue crabs must meet a min

Blue crabs go through several stages of growth before becoming the crabs we see and harvest. Their life cycle takes place across offshore waters, estuaries, and shallow coastal habitats , and each stage plays an important role in keeping crab populations healthy. Egg Stage After mating, a mature female blue crab carries fertilized eggs under her abdomen in a sponge-like mass. Number of eggs:  About 750,000 to over 2 million Hatch time:  Roughly 10–15 days , depending on water

Crabbing has long been a tradition along our coasts, providing food, livelihood, and time on the water for generations. But like any activity that interacts with the marine environment, how we crab matters just as much as how much we catch. Sustainable crabbing  isn’t about limiting anglers — it’s about protecting the resource so it remains healthy and productive for the future. What Sustainable Crabbing Really Means Sustainable crabbing focuses on practices that allow blue c

If you rely on live bait, learning how to deploy a pinfish trap  is one of the easiest ways to keep a steady supply without spending all day throwing a cast net. Best Locations for Pinfish Trap Deployment Successful pinfish trap deployment  starts near where pinfish feed and roam—grass edges, dock lines, bridge pilings, and calm pockets near structure. Look for areas with light current and bait activity. Best Bait for a Pinfish Trap For how to deploy a pinfish trap  effective

Knowing how to deploy a crab trap  the right way can be the difference between a full pull and an empty one. A good trap helps, but placement, bait, and how you set it matter just as much. Crab Trap Placement and Location Start with crab trap placement  near structure and travel routes—docks, bridges, channel edges, oyster bottom, and shallow flats. If possible, scout at low tide to spot bottom changes and structure that crabs use for cover. Best Bait for Crab Trap Deployment

If you fish coastal waters, chances are you already know how valuable pinfish  can be. Hardy, aggressive, and easy to catch, pinfish are one of the most reliable live baits for targeting species like redfish, snapper, grouper, flounder, and tarpon. In this guide, we’ll cover what pinfish are , why anglers rely on them , and how to catch and keep them alive  for the best results on the water. What Are Pinfish? Pinfish ( Lagodon rhomboides ) are small, aggressive baitfish commo

Crab trap inspection overview: A quick inspection before setting your crab traps can make the difference between a productive run and a wasted trip. Many common issues—lost catch, damaged traps, or non-compliant setups—can be avoided with a simple maintenance routine. This checklist is designed to help you spot problems early and keep your crab traps working efficiently. Door & Closure Check Trap doors should close firmly and stay shut during handling and deployment. Inspect

Crab trapping is more than a hobby - it’s a skill, a craft, and for many, a way of life. Over the years, I’ve honed my techniques, learned the nuances of the tides, and discovered the best gear to maximize my catch. Whether you’re after blue crabs or stone crabs, mastering the art of crab trapping requires the right tools and know-how. Today, I’ll share my insights on selecting and using the best crab-catching gear to elevate your game. Choosing the Best Crab-Catching Gear fo

Crab trap doors take a beating. Between constant tension, saltwater exposure, and repeated opening and closing, worn bungees and loose closures are one of the most common reasons a trap stops performing the way it should. The good news: most crab trap door issues can be fixed in just a few minutes with basic replacement parts. Common Signs Your Crab Trap Door Needs Repair If you notice any of the following, it’s time for a quick repair: The door won’t stay fully closed Bungee

If you've spent any time around seasoned crabbers, you’ve probably heard strong opinions about what bait “works best.” Some swear by chicken, others use fish scraps, and a few have secret, passed-down recipes they’ll never reveal. But when you cut through the stories and look at what actually attracts blue crabs consistently, the answers become clear. Crabs aren’t picky—but they are  opportunistic, scent-driven predators. The right bait sends a strong, oily scent trail throug

Setting up your buoy and rope might seem simple, but it’s one of the most important parts of crabbing. A trap with the wrong rope length, wrong knots, or a poorly attached buoy can drift, tangle, or disappear entirely. Meanwhile, a properly set-up system keeps your trap exactly where you placed it, makes retrieval easy, and ensures you’re staying within regulations. Whether you're brand new to crabbing or just want to tighten up your setup, this guide walks you through exactl

Crabbing is one of those rare hobbies that’s equal parts relaxing, exciting, and rewarding. Whether you're soaking traps off a dock, tossing nets from a bridge, or loading a bait well on your boat, the right crab trap can make the difference between a slow day on the water and a cooler full of blue crabs. If you're new to crabbing—or just upgrading your gear—this guide walks you through exactly how to choose the right crab trap for your waters, target species, and preferred s