View Full Version : Question How long to let traps soak before checking?
Hi all I'm new to the board andcrabbing in general. I have a dozen traps I use in the lower bay plus my pots and wonder how long I should let it soak before checking or moving them.
Don
BowMovements
07-12-2010, 05:24 PM
Where are you located? Pots are not legal from a boat for rereational purposes in Maryland. You can throw them off a private pier but only 2 and with a permit. As for the traps run'em immediately, then gauge the soak after the first run. If they are running slow allow more soak if they are running like gang busters hit'em fast and hard. JMHO
I am in Virginia. I will try that when I find a good spot.
27 sailfish
07-13-2010, 10:19 AM
Most crabbers will just keep checking them at a slow pace.
Since you are using 12 traps - if you can pace it to pull one about every minute and a half - your soak time will be about 18 minutes.
That is plenty of time.
If you start getting crabs in most traps - bump up the pace so it is a minute between traps.
Some will pull them all fast - then sort the crabs - run back and start again. A soak of 5 to 10 minutes is fine.
One tip: It pays to change baits often. The scent / oil of new bait will draw crabs to the area and then into your traps.
Also - try traps at different depths from 5 to 10 feet - sometimes even 15.
Move them as you key in on the productive depth but keep in mind it can change hourly.
Most days - they seem to move deeper as the sun gets higher.
Raising tide will bring them to shore - falling will move them out - most times.
Crabbermanjl
07-13-2010, 10:53 AM
I drop 25 to 30. When I drop the last one I go to the first one and start pulling, especially now with the little ones chewing the bait up......
Thanks guys seems like I'm doing.it right. I must be dropping them in the wrong spots. What kind of bottom am I looking for? Mud? Sand? Grass?
27 sailfish
07-13-2010, 06:30 PM
What area are you crabbing in ?
Reason I ask - some areas are mud , others sand , some a mix.
Crabs move along the bottom - looking for food.
Often good fishing areas are good crabbing spots as well.
Current can play into it as well - as does drop offs / humps / etc.
Watch where others in your area are crabbing and set up near them - but be sure to give elbow room.
Most crabbers will help you out - if you ask them at the end of their run.
Some areas are great early - then are only so so - and vice / versa.
With 12 traps - you should get at least 1-2 keepers per run and maybe 2-3 little ones.