Rigging Crab pots

[makobird]

My family has planned a week fishing trip to the bay in June. I purchased a couple of crab pots to hopefully add a few crabs to a meal. I haven't purchased rope or bouys yet. Where is a good place to purchase and what's the best way to attatch? We will be in Reedville/ Wicomico Church area. Is fresh menhaden the best bait? Thanks for any suggestions.

[Weber]

Did you get pots or traps?

[Kayak fisherman]

Just get the "regulation" crabpots with the necessary escape holes. I bought 2 plastic-coated chickenwire pots for $30. I stuck a brick in them (I don't have any rebar) and tied on a big buoy. You just have to put your info on the buoy. I think it's the letter "R" followed by the last four digits of your SSN.

[Weber]

What state are you crabbing in, and off a boat, shore, or dock?

[makobird]

I purchased the 2' square plastic coated traps. Or are they called pots? I will be able to drop them off my boat or the dock. Do I need to attach some rebar to the bottom? Thanks for the reply!:yes:

[otherwoman]

For me trap means manual closing is needed by the craber to close the trap. Pot means no effort needed on the crabbers part to keep the crab in the pot, does so just by its design.

For rebar, no need if shallow water crabbing. Only time weight is really needed in my experience is where you are concerned the pot or trap will tumble onto its side before it hits bottom.

[rgminer]

make sure you tie the rope to one CORNER at the TOP of the pot. the top is the opposite end of the bait cage. The door to the bait cage needs to be on the bottom. Only use enough rope to get it to the bottom with only a small amount of slack.

In Virginia you are allowed 2 pots PER PERSON so if you are going to have more than 1 person on your boat you can have more than 2 pots.

You don't need any weight in them if they are going in shallow water with little to no current. The weight of the pot alone will hold it in place as long as there isn't a strong current or exceptionally high tide.

[makobird]

Is there a preferred type of rope used with crab pots?

[BowMovements]

#8 franklin or Osprey

[tudortucker]

I Cooper, a watermans supply, will have everything you need. Located in Hampton Va, downtown at the waterfront. Well worth the trip. Be sure to download all the regs from VIMS web and release your sponge crabs.

[Tom Powers]

Check the rings and make sure that they are a 2 3/8 opening they changed it recently.