Need to buy crab pots? What kind, and where?

JoshTDOR · 10-10-2007, 09:14 AM

Made a deal with my brother, I spend 35K on a boat and he buys enough crab pots to fill the back of it. (somehow he made out better)

Now its time for him to fill his end of the bargain. We want good pots that will last our lifetime.

So the question is what kind and where to buy? (there has to be some opinions here)

Thanks,

fyshndad · 10-10-2007, 09:22 AM

I just recently replaced all of my pots
I had the small version of the commercial style pots
They served me very well for more than 25 years and would have likely lasted longer had I taken better care of them (rinse the salt off every trip)

I bought the same style this time

Be sure to get enough floats if you will be crabbing in heavy current
I use 3 large floats and one little trailer float

Also I strongly recommend that you get sinking crab pot rope

I have 120 feet of rope on my pots because I use them in the ocean most of the time but they work well on the CR too

Threemuch · 10-10-2007, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshTDOR

We want good pots that will last our lifetime.

How old are you? That might be a tough order to fill. I like to use the mini-commercial type, 28" . $65-75 unrigged. The rubber wrap will only last about 5-7 years if you don't cover them during storage, but that isn't that hard to replace. If you keep them away from sunlight and any possible source of ozone, they will last much longer.

I really think grounding is important, so having exposed metal in the bottom of the frame is a good thing. THis is why I shy away from dipped pots, like Protocos or Danielsen. Add a zinc to the exposed rebar in the bottom of the frame and your pot should last a good long time and fish realy well. Many Commercial guys put zincs on their pots.

You can buy all stainless pots, through Seattle Marine, I think, maybe englunds too, but I have no experience with such gucci gear.

JoshTDOR · 10-10-2007, 10:15 AM

Do you remember what brand? Where did you buy them? I see the style I think you talking about ranging from $80-150?

fyshndad · 10-10-2007, 10:21 AM

I bought 2 at Englands in Astoria and the others at Fishermans Marine Supply
I think I only paid about $60 for just the pot and $25 for rope and $6 each for the 3 large floats and $4 ea for the small trailing floats for a total of $107 for each set up

jimsbuddy · 10-10-2007, 11:02 AM

they have these commercail style at Joes Fishermans, tillmook sporting goods... all the stores. If you can wait I picked up 3 at Fishermans for $75ea unrigged. There is a new style that Tillamook sells that is a 360` entry. Ive been tempted to try it but with 6 that I have now, why buy more.

JoshTDOR · 10-10-2007, 11:15 AM

Here is another question.

How many pots is managable in a 22' boat and 4 people? Is 9 to many?

Crabbing prior to the purchase of my 22' Searunner was in a 17 intuder and mess of cheap danielson traps. We concluded that the danielson traps had to go...

-Josh

Mypursuit · 10-10-2007, 11:19 AM

There's a guy that makes pots who lives in the trailer park in Carver, just to the left of the bridge over the Clackamas sometimes he's at the Netarts ramp or along hwy 6 just past the Forest Grove intersection by the little lake there, mini commercial for about $50 a piece. I have several protoco's and would NEVER buy them again. My rubber wrapped steel and a danielson out fish them 3 to one. I'm not sure why, probably the grounding issues.

lundprov · 10-10-2007, 11:20 AM

pm sent

i crabed 9 pots out of a 18' smokercraft with lots of room left for bait and buckets

Backlash2 · 10-10-2007, 12:18 PM

I can get you the phone # of a place in Warrenton that builds the commercial style pots in sporty sizes 28", 32", and 36" I think. If I remember right they run about $55-60, and are worth every cent.

They are the only ones we fish now, and other than re-wrapping the rubber a few times through the years I'm sure they'll last darn near forever.

It's in my files at home, I'll send it to you tonight or tomorrow.

Threemuch · 10-10-2007, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mypursuit

I have several protoco's and would NEVER buy them again. My rubber wrapped steel and a danielson out fish them 3 to one. I'm not sure why, probably the grounding issues.

Another issue is the diamond wire mesh is much tougher than the square wire on those protocos. It has a wee bit of give to it, where the square grid is taught and much more likely to break.

fyshndad · 10-10-2007, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshTDOR

Here is another question.

How many pots is managable in a 22' boat and 4 people? Is 9 to many?

Crabbing prior to the purchase of my 22' Searunner was in a 17 intuder and mess of cheap danielson traps. We concluded that the danielson traps had to go...

-Josh

My boat is 22ft and 6 pots w/4 bodies aboard is all I would want to use

Besides with 6 pots you will likely get limits for 4 people in one pull most trips

I only use 5 pots cause
1 That is how many I own
2 they fit across the back of my boat standing on the ends (not stacked)
leaving more room in the boat for people and coolers

skiffman · 10-10-2007, 03:23 PM

I have the 360 entry pots and like them - they do seem to fish faster than the gated pots (although still not as fast as rings or slip rings). If you're leaving for the long, long soak though, it may not make that much difference.

On the minus side, they are fairly large and, while sturdy, not as heavy duty as some out there. This the first year with them so can't speak to longevity.

So how you crab may have some bearing - if you tend the pots and pull fairly often, slip rings are great - fish as fast as rings but don't lose nearly as many crabs. The 360 pots come next in speed, than the various styles of gated traps.

2 cents worth

INSAYN · 10-10-2007, 03:37 PM

So I am going to upgrade my protoco trap by removing the coating on the bottom ring, maybe weld on, or tie on a piece or two of rebar for extra weight and additional grounding. Tie on some zinc and go crabbing.

greenbuttskunk · 10-10-2007, 04:25 PM

T&T crab pots is the guy who makes those you refer to. He sells them out of his van. I own a few of them and they are well built and a good value.
I'd say 6 pots is really all you'll ever need to use. Trust me! In good conditions and location, 4 should handle your needs.

Salty Walty · 10-10-2007, 04:30 PM

Since he is buying. I would have him purchase 6 round wrapped commercials for the Ocean and 6 Danielsons and a few rings for the Bays. The best prices for the rubber wrapped were at the PDX Sportsmans show the last 2 years. Crab pot, 100' of rope and 2 buoys was $75. Get there first for best selection.

Shakey · 10-10-2007, 05:08 PM

The sporting goods store in Newport sells the mini commercial pots 27" unrigged for $55. If you are rigging all your pots at one time you can order leaded line in bulk from Seattle Marine. I detest the yellow rope that comes with most pots.

no interest · 10-10-2007, 06:10 PM

Being a commercial crabber I would recommend Trilogy traps, they fish the best and are of the highest quality. You can get them in all stainless so the only way they go away is if you lose them. Go2 Marine has them.

fishindude · 10-10-2007, 07:02 PM

I have those dipped pots. Seemed to work fine for me.

But then again I usually only crab once a year bout this time and always go home with limits.

fish_on · 10-10-2007, 07:41 PM

Search "Custom Made Sporting Crab Pots and Rings" on craigs list.

royalfish · 10-11-2007, 09:41 AM

airport crab pots in Warrenton are great on the CR. Make sure you look and lift before you buy. Has 3 sizes.