What Size Crab Trap Should You Use?

4 days ago
2 min read

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 regulations.

Medium Crab Traps

Medium crab traps are one of the most versatile options for recreational crabbers.

They are a great choice for:

Dock and pier crabbing
Smaller boats
Anglers who want a trap that is easy to handle and pull

Medium traps provide solid catch potential while still being manageable for most setups.

At OceanBuilt, our medium traps are built with rigid frames and heavy PVC-coated wire mesh so they hold their shape and continue performing season after season.

Large Crab Traps

Large traps increase the amount of space inside the trap, allowing more crabs to enter and stay inside once caught.

Benefits include:

Higher catch capacity
More room for bait placement
Stronger presence on the bottom

Many experienced crabbers prefer large traps when setting gear in deeper water or areas with higher crab activity.

Like all OceanBuilt traps, our large traps are built for durability and designed to withstand regular use.

Extra-Large Crab Traps

Extra-large traps are built for anglers who want maximum catch potential.

These traps often include features like:

Multiple funnel entrances
Divider aprons to reduce escapes
Large dump doors for easy unloading

The additional internal space makes them ideal when targeting larger crabs or when crabbing in areas with heavy populations.

Built for Different State Regulations

Crabbing regulations can vary depending on where you fish. Requirements such as escape rings, trap dimensions, buoy markings, and other gear specifications often differ from state to state.

Because of this, OceanBuilt offers our traps in multiple state-specific configurations so anglers can choose equipment that matches their local regulations.

Whether you’re crabbing along the Gulf Coast or elsewhere along the East Coast, our goal is to provide traps that are ready for the conditions and rules where you fish.

Choosing the Right Trap for Your Setup

When selecting a trap, consider: