Building A Trap - Part 3

Assembled Trap

This is part 3 of a series called Building A Trap. In this blog post we will start assembling our trap. If you spray painted your pieces make sure they are completely dry before proceeding. 

For this part we will need:

• All of the previously cutout pieces.
• A J-clip tool.
• 74 J-clips.

Start by taking pieces A and I and 12 J-clips. Attach each piece with the J-clip tool and a J-clip according to the image below:

Take piece D and bend each section until a cube shape is formed. Then take 8 J-clips and attach each side as shown in the images below:

This is the bait box.

Next attach the modified piece D to piece A where the 2 inch by 2 inch cutout is using 4 J-clips shown in the images below:

Next, locate piece F and attach it underneath piece A where the 2 inch by 2inch cutout is using 2 J-clips shown in the images below: 

This is the hinged door to the bait box.

Next, locate pieces G and bend each to fit along the red line shown on piece I in the images below:

Then attach the modified pieces G to both pieces A and then to pieces I using 12 J-clips shown in the images below:

Locate pieces E and bend the bottom half inch by 1 inch mesh areas to match the red lines shown on piece I in the images below:

Locate pieces H and bend the half inch section of cut wire to match the red lines shown on piece I in the image below:

Next, attach both of the modified pieces E and pieces H to each other using 8 J-clips shown in the image below:

Next, locate pieces B and C and attach them to each other using 4 J-clips shown in the images below:

This is the hinged door where you remove the caught crayfish.

Next, attach pieces E to pieces I using 4 J-clips shown in the image below:

This is the hinged entrance for the crayfish to enter the trap.

Next, attach piece B to pieces I using 12 J-clips shown in the image below:

Finally attach pieces E to piece B using 8 J-clips shown in the images below:

Now you should have a fully assembled trap:

In part 4 we will finish the trap and make it ready to catch crawfish.

Building A Trap - Part 2

This is the second part in a series called Building A Trap.

Using the 4 foot by 2 foot section of mesh begin measuring out and cutting the individual pieces listed below:

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Piece A
10 inches by 14 inches

Cut mesh to match image - 2 inch by 2 inch cutout

Quantity: 1

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Piece B
10 inches by 14 inches

Cut mesh to match image - 7 inch by 8 inch cutout

Quantity: 1

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Piece C
8 inches by 8.5 inches

Cut mesh to match image - cut off last half inch

Quantity: 1

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Piece D
6 inches by 6 inches

Cut mesh to match image - cut off 2 inch by 2 inch sections on each corner

Quantity: 1

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Piece E
10 inches by 4 inches

Cut mesh to match image

Quantity: 2

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Piece F
2 inches by 2 inches

Quantity: 1

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Piece G
4 inches by 10 inches

Cut mesh to match image - cut off last wire at 4 inch mark

Quantity: 2

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Piece H
2.5 inches by 9 inches

Cut mesh to match image - cut off last wire at 2.5 inch mark

Quantity: 2

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Piece I
6.5 inches by 14 inches

Quantity: 2

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In part 3 we will begin assembling our trap. 

CrayDad's Chili Honey Butter

Heat meets sweet...

Our family's first crayfish boil was probably the most memorable partly because one of our condiments immediately disappeared. Who knew that when you take butter and combine chili with honey something magic happens. Smother it over corn, potatoes or crawdads and it will leave you longing for more.

Ingredients:

• Chili Pepper Flakes or Chili Powder
• Honey
• 1 stick Unsalted Butter
• Kosher Salt

Directions:

Allow the stick of butter to come to room temperature before continuing with this recipe. Slightly warm the honey until spreadable but not liquid. Add small amounts of chili, honey and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly to combine then taste. Once it is to your liking then place it in the center of some plastic wrap and carefully role into a log shape. Refrigerate until hardened.

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. 

CrayDad's Black Garlic Butter

You don't know the power of the darkside...

It is said that garlic can ward off vampires but did you know it also works on children? That is until our family discovered it's mild-mannered umami-packed cousin, black garlic.

Some say that black garlic originated in Korea and others say that it's fermented. Whatever the truth is one thing is for sure - it will make your tastebuds jump into light speed when paired with steaming hot crayfish.

In most grocery stores a few dollars can buy you a large amount of garlic heads. Black garlic on the other hand can run you about $10-$15 for a couple heads. We make black garlic at home and will post that recipe in the near future.

Ingredients:

• 1 head Black Garlic
• 1 stick Unsalted Butter
• Pink Himalayan Sea Salt

Directions:

Allow the stick of butter to come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe. Separate and peel the entire head of black garlic. Then either chop or smash the cloves and add it to the completely softened butter. Combine all ingredients until thoroughly mixed. Place in the center of some plastic wrap and role carefully into a log shape. Chill in your refrigerator until hardened.

Of Methods and Mudbugs

In today's post we will discuss two methods of catching the crustacean sensation that is sweeping the nation.

Drumstick Method

On a recent crawfishing trip we found lots of drumsticks littering the shoreline. I was surprised to learn that this is a very common method that people use to catch crayfish.

A chicken thigh or drumstick is secured to some string and then released into the water. After some time you slowly and carefully pull the line. Then using a net you can attempt to capture them. We noticed in our attempts that many crawfish will let go soon after you begin retrieving the line.

This method requires a lot of patience but can be a fun event for a large group.

Trap Method

Investing in good quality traps will increase your chances of catching mudbugs. There are several different styles of crawfish traps on the market to choose from. One of the benefits of a trap is that it does not require constant monitoring.

Typically a trap is loaded with bait and then placed into the water. The type of bait used is just as important as the trap. After a period of time the trap is retrieved.

We recommend researching the area you plan to crawfish. Some traps are designed specifically for rivers or lakes and some are geared towards flat or rockier underwater terrain.

You can purchase them online or you can make them yourself. In the near future we will show step-by-step how you can build your own trap from start to finish. We will include material and tools needed and test out the trap.

CrayDad's Dry Boil

For years our family tried various dry boils - both commercial and homemade. After much trial and error 3 out of 4 family participants agreed that this combination was a winner. I am still waiting for feedback from the 4th. You know who you are.

Two ingredients that make this dry boil unique are the addition of Smoked Spanish Paprika and Korean Red Chili Pepper flakes. Both of these impart amazing flavor and color to the boil. You can find these in specialty food stores or online.

Salt has also been omitted from the list and should be added to taste at the time the dry boil is used.

Ingredients:

8 tablespoons Smoked Spanish Paprika (not hot)
8 tablespoons Mustard Seed
6 tablespoons Coriander Seed
4 tablespoons Allspice Berries (whole)
4 tablespoons Dill Seed
2 teaspoons Cloves (whole)
2 tablespoons Korean Red Chili Pepper flakes (Gochugaru)
16 Bay Leaves

Combine all ingredients and keep in a sealed mason jar. Store in a cool, dark location until ready to use.

Makes approximately 2 cups of dry boil.

Optional Tips:

• Another way to maximize the flavor of your dry boil is to roast the ingredients. Place them into a heavy bottom pan (such as cast iron) and lightly roast until fragrant. Be sure to keep an eye on the dry boil so it does not burn. Once it has become fragrant to your liking remove the ingredients from the pan and allow to cool completely. You can also powder all of the ingredients using a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder.