see it clearly

Crab Trap

Crabs are, in some localities, the only bait the large game fish will go after, and at such places become indispensable. No matter where you are fishing, if crabs are to be had, they are good bait for bass of all kinds.

The net shown in the accompanying cuts is easily constructed of scrap material. First twist a piece of wire into the shape of a triangle, each side of which measures twelve inches. Instead of twisting the ends together, arrange them as shown in Fig. 3. A fine piece of wire, taken from an old broom and annealed, may be wrapped around the double strands. Make four triangles of the same size and cover them with coarse mesh screen. The screen can be sewed to the frame by using a raveling for a thread. Lay the completed sides on the floor in the position indicated by Fig. 2.

Each of the three outer triangles are hinged to the central one by means of two small wire loops. Next put in three corset steels, weaving them in and out of the screen. Their purpose is to hold the trap open flat as in Fig. 2. Now tie a stout fish line to each of the outer corners of Fig. 2. About two feet from the frame bring the three cords together and tie them to the main string. Fig. 4 illustrates this pretty clearly. "N" is a large heavy nut threaded onto the line. As it drops down it will draw the three strands together and cause the wide open trap to close on its prey. A good way to straighten wire is to draw it between two rows of spikes which have been driven close together.

The trap is used as follows: Drop it to the bottom of the stream from a boat or dock, and the steels will cause it to open flat. In clear water you can see the crabs crawl after whatever bait you are using; if not, at given intervals drop the heavy nut and haul to the surface. It is very effective and can be easily carried.