Building A Trap - Part 1

The Humble Craydad

This is the first part in a series called Building A Trap. Before we attempt to start building a trap we first need to answer a few questions:

• Does the area you plan to catch crawfish have any regulations on traps? 
• What size trap will you need? 
• What materials should you use?
• What tools do you need?

Each area may have different regulations on traps. It is important to know this information before attempting to crawfish so that you have the best experience possible. Contact your local fish and game. They will be glad to answer any questions such as if there is a maximum size (length, width or height) for traps, how many traps a person is allowed and other such questions.


This information may help you determine the size of your trap. Another item to consider is the potential weight of a full trap. I have seen some traps that were so large when they were loaded with crayfish it was nearly impossible to pull them out of the water. Find a size that works for you and doesn't kill your back.

The materials you choose may greatly determine the performance and durability of your traps over time. A few specifics to consider is wire gauge and welding. 

Over the years I have tested different types of wire mesh. Some of the first traps I built used 19 gauge half inch by half inch wire mesh. They were very light weight but seemed to dent or bend easily. Later I tried 16 gauge half inch by 1 inch mesh. This was much thicker than the previous material and held its shape with each use. I also noticed the weight of the cage was slightly heavier. This kind is my current go-to material of choice. I plan to experiment on 14-gauge mesh in a future blog post.

After the first year of crawfishing I started noticing something interesting about one of my early cages. Some of the galvanized wires had become loose and came undone. This was odd I thought. It turns out that not all wire is welded the same. Some wire is galvanized before the welds are performed, does not last as long and tends to be cheaper. Other type of wire is galvanized after welding has taken place. This kind is significantly stronger but usually has an increased cost. You may need to shop around to find the best quality and prices.

Below are the materials we will be using for a single trap:

• 4 feet x 2 feet - 16-gauge wire mesh (half inch by 1 inch mesh size - galvanized after weld)
• J-Clips - This can be found where rabbit cage supplies are sold.
• Tan Spray Paint - This is optional but some say that this can help mimic the natural color of the crawfish's environment.
• 30 feet of 550 Para cord - used to retrieve our trap
• Pool noodle - used to retrieve our trap
• 30 lbs carabiner - used to retrieve our trap
• 2x wire door cage latches - This can be found where rabbit cage supplies are sold.

Having the right tools are just as important. For this project we will be using the following tools:

• Wire cutters - It is important to make sure they are gauge appropriate so you are not struggling while cutting the mesh.
• J-Clip tool - This tool is often used by people making rabbit traps.
• Knife
• Scissors

In part 2 we will begin building our trap.