drop traps compared

[Samaritan]

Anyone see any large difference in catch between the pyramid drop traps and the square? I like using the pyramid four door because it's cheap, can fold flat for storage and the doors spring open. All my square traps have tops so I can't stack them without modifications or just replacing them with the topless. I guess I'm just on the fence over buying a bunch of new topless traps when I have a half dozen pyramid already. I have not used them both together enough to see any immediate issues but figured I would ask the old salts with more time in if they felt like there was any difference worth noting.

[vw_buggsy]

Pyramid traps are prone to malfunctions, more so than most traps I think and most people on here seem to agree. I'd recommend just about any other style of trap over those. The pyramid traps can be made to work better by re-rigging them with better line and adding weight and such but to be honest it's kind of a flawed design from the start. They can catch though, and if you're happy with the results you could always just stick with those.

Honestly for cheap, easy storage and transport traps I really like the all-metal double ring net style traps and that's what I'd recommend if you want to try something else. The cheapest cotton ring nets are pretty much garbage, but the metal ones are pretty good. They can't have the "ring crossover" issues that the cheap cotton ones do. I'm talking about this STYLE not necessarily this brand or source:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZL3XFQR/?tag=bca1-20

You can get them cheaper at most tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and Wal-Mart this time of year.

I went with larger, heavier, and higher quality double ring nets for when I crab using traps only (early in the season) but I still keep my metal mesh ones around. They are great for a day on a pier, for travelling, or to keep on the boat when I plan to trotline but might want to prospect around a little bit with traps. Rinse them when you get home and they'll last about half of forever. They also benefit from replacing the strings on them, and adding a small float where the three strings meet at the top (I use half a wine cork). That keeps the strings floating out of the trap. They are light, small, and easy to work with. You do have to pull them fast so the crab doesn't escape but the same is true for the topless traps also, so that's a wash.

If you want really high quality double ring nets all ready to go talk to Perfectionist on this forum, he hand makes a really nice double ring net. They're pricey though (worth it, just pricey).
https://www.uscharterboats.com/crabs/

Over the last several years I have experimented MOST trap styles and methods to crab. The ones I stick with are some type of double ring nets and trot line.

Not an old salt but I am a little salty.

[Samaritan]

Thanks! The week after Labor Day 24 will be the test. Trying out a trot line and traps on the Wye.