Why trust us? We take expert advice, test, research and select products independently. If you buy through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission read more.

Top 8 Crawfish Traps

Unlucky in catching your favorite crawfish? Check this list of effective traps and start cooking your delish recipes!

The Best Crawfish Traps

Empty trap…. again?

If you love eating crawfish, a marine enthusiast, or a fisherman, then you should plan your moves to be able to catch them. These specific traps are tools that help you capture those crawfish easily. Installing crawfish traps is an interesting activity you can do with your family during the weekends. However, you will not be able to catch them by hand or with a fishing rod. You will need an effective crawfish trap to have a great experience.

These crawfish traps are convenient and easily operated. You just need bait and 100% determination to be successful.

There are so many types of crawfish traps on the market today, and it is not so easy to choose which one is the best for you. 

Don’t worry because we have done our research and compiled the best crawfish traps for you. 

Best Overall

Frabill Crawfish Trap

Recommended
98 %

Frabill Crawfish Trap

For over 80 years, the Frabill Crawfish Trap is trusted by anglers. It is an outstanding choice for crawfish catchers. This item is very simple to use and you will be fascinated by how good it is. Its unique set of features makes crawfish trapping uncomplicated.

  • Features:
  • Durability:
  • Ease of use:
  • Value for money:

This is the number one selling crawfish trap! The effectiveness of this trap is amazing – they really work. This product has a two-piece design that lets you catch crayfish in both turbulent and calm water with the least effort. If you are using it in a river, make sure to tie it to a log or a rock so it will stay and not float away. The torpedo-shaped trap includes a spring clip for blockage.

One disadvantage of this trap is that it is not so suitable for capturing anything else. Also, there is no built-in bait box or bag that comes with the item. Users also noted that the pod may get detached sometimes from the clasp but it can be fixed with a pair of pliers.

Best Premium

Protoco 19 x 24-Inch Shrimp/Crawfish Trap

Recommended
96 %

Protoco 19 x 24-Inch Shrimp/Crawfish Trap

This crawfish trap is a very good investment especially if you catch crawfish often. The unique design of this trap offers excellent innovation.

  • Features:
  • Durability:
  • Ease of use:
  • Value for money:

It offers four trap entrances, covering all sides of the square-shaped trap. The durability of this product is also astonishing. Thanks to its corrosion-proof construction material. It also has a cone design that makes crawfish crawl easily to get in. The good thing with this trap is you can also catch shrimps with it. The catch removal system of this trap is also very easy to operate. You just hinge down one of its tunnels and you are good to go.

The only concern of this trap is its weight. Since it is bigger compared to other models/brands, it is heavier and bulkier. 

Best Affordable

Drasry Crab Trap

Recommended
94 %

Drasry Crab Trap

Nobody can question the longevity and durability of the Drasry Crab Trap. Polyethylene and corrosion-proof steel have been used in this trap. The special openable design makes it easier to bring out captured prey.

  • Features:
  • Durability:
  • Ease of use:
  • Value for money:

The wonderful features of this trap guarantee an abundant catch of crawfish. Customers who have used this like that it can catch, not only crabs and crawfish, but also minnows, lobsters, shrimps, reptiles, and many more. This trap can be foldable which makes it very portable. 

While this item is not most appropriate for professional use, it will do great for weekend crawfish trapping. If you are looking for a great deal on a sturdy crawfish trap that delivers, this one is what you are looking for.

Best Folded Trap

Goture Portable Folded Fishing Net

Recommended
93 %

Goture Portable Folded Fishing Net

The Goture Portable Folded Fishing Net is rust-proof and corrosion-resistant. It has a 360 design that lets you catch numerous prey. Its tiny holes forbid the small creatures like crabs and shrimps to escape. The nylon fishing line makes it easy for the crabs and other prey to bite it.

  • Features:
  • Durability:
  • Ease of use:
  • Value for money:

For crawfish catchers who need to travel, this trap is highly recommendable. It has an umbrella-style design that is easily foldable with its automatic button. You can easily carry and install it without any help.

The fantastic quality of this gadget assures stability despite the pressure of waves. It has steel wires that have incomparable style and robustness. It will not easily break since the materials used have high quality.

The only downside reported about this trap is the plastic handle. Other than that, all features are stunning and efficient.

Best Collapsible Trap

Promar Collapsible Crawfish/Crab Trap

Recommended
92 %

Promar Collapsible Crawfish/Crab Trap

You can conveniently catch maximum crawfish with this Promar Collapsible Trap’s straightforward and unique alignment. Even beginners can easily use it without any difficult maintenance.

  • Features:
  • Durability:
  • Ease of use:
  • Value for money:

With its exact shape and perfect size, you can gather your prey from all angles. After doing so, you can effortlessly fold it into less than 1cm in less than a minute. Piling up and transporting the folded trap is very easy to do. Moreover, there are lines that support the gadget that is made with good materials that assure durability. These lines can be bitten by creatures resulting in zero destruction due to their sturdiness.

Some users complain about the product’s thin plastic mesh. It also does not have cones that provide an enlarged surface area.

Best for Beginners

South Bend SBCD-2369 Wire Crawdad Trap

Recommended
90 %

South Bend SBCD-2369 Wire Crawdad Trap

This crawfish trap is best for beginners since it is very easy to install and use. It has several places where you can insert your bait for fast trapping. You can also easily bring the bait out, and it camouflages your bait in the water quickly.

  • Features:
  • Durability:
  • Ease of use:
  • Value for money:

This crawfish trap covers the entire area from all angles, catching maximum fish. Thanks to its fittingly sized net that has a perfect height and length. It is produced of galvanized steel to avoid fast rust formation. When water touches this gadget, it causes the least effect on its surface, hence keeping it look brand new for a long time. It also remains scratch-free from fish bites. This trap is portable and lightweight, thus very easy to bring along.

However, some users complain about its mesh size having small holes. They say that only small and medium crawfish enter the trap. Moreover, there are also reported instances of escaping crawfish due to its subpar locking system.

Best for Storage and Portability

ieasky Fishing Bait Trap

Recommended
92 %

ieasky Fishing Bait Trap

Being the best for storage and portability, this trap is your best company when you go backpacking and plan to catch crawfish. On top of its compactness, the firm materials used are made to last. Its amazing features justify its price.

  • Features:
  • Durability:
  • Ease of use:
  • Value for money:

This crawfish trap is guaranteed clean and well-made. It can be folded and is very effortless to use. If you are looking for a trap that can be stored conveniently, add this item toThi your list. The zip design is a smart addition inclusion to its overall construction. It assists in taking out the prey without any problems. The nylon mesh and steel support of this gadget are long-lasting and very durable.

The only reported drawback of this gadget is the in-built bait pocket which is a little smaller compared to a regular one so catching a lot of crawfish is hardly possible to happen.

Best for Salt or Brackish Water

Frabill Rectangular Bait Trap

Recommended
93 %

Frabill Rectangular Bait Trap

The design of this trap has been well-thought off, restricting the crawfish from escaping and making it stay inside. It comes with a door with safety pins, making the bait placement and crawfish removal easier. The black appearance of the gadget stays for a long time and does not easily rust over time. In addition, the color camouflages the kind of water where it is best used.

  • Features:
  • Durability:
  • Ease of use:
  • Value for money:

This type of crawfish trap from Frabill is known to be best for brackish and salt water. Massive catching is expected due to its dimensions. This gadget offers heavy-duty characteristics such as its well-built vinyl steel mesh. The rustproof feature adds to its many astonishing attributes.

Using this catcher is trouble-free. It is unchallenging to set up. Its 8x8x18 inches size is suitable for crawfish, and also for other small fishes and shrimps.

What to look for in a good crawfish traps

Whether you are a beginner in angling or an expert in fishing who is looking for your next crawfish trap, you need to know the most important features of the gadget before deciding on which one to buy.

Since crawfish are crustaceans like shrimps and lobsters, they cannot be caught using traditional nets and fishing rods. You need a crawfish trap. These gadgets are built with ethylene polymer fishnet or nylon which are made stronger by galvanized steel housing. These traps are effective in catching crawfish as long as you choose the effective ones.

So here are the characteristics of a good crawfish trap to consider. Look for something that will cater to your needs. It will save both your budget and time since it guarantees to meet your expectations.

Dimension

You have to ask yourself how much crawfish you want to catch. There are several sizes available on the market, but it is important to just get a trap that will satisfy your needs. Find the average amount a trap can store before deciding on which gadget to get.

Material

This quality is one of the most vital factors in knowing the longevity and effectiveness of a certain product. A good crawfish trap should have strong materials that prevent rust and wear. This is to assure the long life of the gadget that will help you save money. Galvanized steel or coated material has the best reviews.

Durability

If the crawfish trap can withstand the amount of catch that you aim for, then most probably that gadget is a good buy. It is essential to have a corrosion-proof and sturdy structure to efficiently carry the crawfish.

Weight

Though the weight may not seem crucial at first glance, it directly determines the trapping process. If the trap is too heavy, you will have trouble pulling it out of the water. On the other hand, if the trap is too light, you will struggle in throwing it into the water. The moving water will make it move and not stand still to be reached by crawfish.

Rusting Ability

Look for a crawfish trap that is rust-free. You can save money if your gadget will be free from rust for a long time.

Opening

Having a trap that has an appropriate size is crucial. It should catch crawfish easily but should not be big enough to let them out conveniently. Two-way open structured traps are better as it holds greater probability in terms of trapping.

Flexibility

Pick something that can be stored easily and not give you a hard time carrying it. Having a bulky trap will make your life difficult. Also, having a trap that can easily bring out your catch is great.

Price

If you are on a budget, look for inexpensive traps that can also deliver and give you good performance. Read labels and look for their offered function then match it to the price you are willing to pay.

What you need to know about crawfish catching

https://www.themeateater.com/fish/freshwater/how-to-trap-crayfish

Unboxing and Demonstration of the Frabill Crawfish Trap

https://bit.ly/3MtIKzm

FAQ

What is the ideal amount of bait I must put in the crawfish trap?

In general, the more bait you put in your trap, the more fish you will catch. You would want to put an amount of bait that will last long enough until you come back and pull it out.

How long should a crawfish trap be left by itself?

Normally, a trap is left to catch crawfish for as long as 24 hours. The abundance of catches will depend on how long you will leave your trap in the water. The average time is between 3 to 4 hours. Of course, your catch will depend on how populated the lake or river is.

Where is the best area to put a crawfish trap?

This type of trap works best under shallow water, either in a river or a lake. Since 
crawfish are usually found in freshwater, going to the sea to look for them is just a waste 
of your time.

Do crawfish traps capable of catching other seafood such as crabs and shrimps?

Each trap has its own features and capability. Those that have small openings will not allow crabs to go in. Traps with big mesh will let shrimps escape.

Become a member

Sign up for our newsletter to get exlusive new content and giveaways.

By continuing, you accept the privacy policy.
No spam. Unsubscribe any time!