Hey there my fellow fishing enthusiasts and welcome to my post where I will discuss my three best live bait traps to catch the little fellas in this year. Live bait is a great fish attractant and for some species, an absolute must if you plan to get amongst them.
And whilst there are a number of methods you can use to catch your ‘livies’ such as a jig or even a piece of bread on a small hook, a good live bait trap allows you to run on the ‘set and forget’ model as you get your other stuff ready. However, as per everything else to do with fishing there are a few options to choose from so to help you out I have had a bit of a look around and come up with three good options below.
Let’s check them all out…
My three recommended live bait traps
I will review these in more detail below however if you just want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
What are live bait traps for fishing?
Live bait traps are common fish traps that you use to catch small species (such as baby mullet, minnows etc.) that will serve as your live bait. In general, traps are filled with some sort of attractant (we use breadcrumbs in ours) and submersed in the water to let the fish swim inside.
Live bait traps come in all shapes and sizes, and some manufacturers have come up with some innovative designs that increase your chance of luring bait fish into them.
What should you be looking for?
Below are some of the factors to consider as you look for a new live bait trap…
- Type
- Portability
- Construction
- Additions
Type
When deciding which bait fish trap to use, the type of baitfish the angler is after is vital. Steel wire traps work best for larger, aggressive fish, while mesh traps work well for weaker fish.
The type of water in which the baitfish congregate is also critical. If you choose saltwater as your location for trapping bait fish, the mesh may be a better option, whereas strong currents may necessitate the use of heavy-duty materials.
Portability
A portable live bait trap is an excellent quality you should consider when buying one. Depending on your preferred location, having a trap that folds into a small profile can be critical. Such traps are often described as collapsible.
Portable bait traps are always a good choice as they are easy to transport also allow you to carry more traps in your boat, eventually increasing your productivity.
Construction
For best long term results, you should look art a live bait that can endure being submerged underwater for hours, even days, especially if it is seawater. Nowadays, live bait traps are made from alloy or treated steels which improve the material’s durability with stainless or galvanized steel made from high-grade materials being the most durable.
Additions
Other potential additions include:
- Camouflaging effect: This aspect helps hide the bait trap from your target bait fish since it blends with the environment.
- State regulations: Certain regions have outlined what bait traps apply to their territory. A specific US state, for example, has a rule that the trap’s entrance cannot be more than 3 inches tall by 34 inches wide. You should be aware of this to avoid any unnecessary fines.
FAQ
Are live bait traps legal?
Live bait traps are actually illegal in some locations however are generally more accepted than cast nets. In most cases, live bait traps can be used as long as you stick to limitations such as size, entrance dimensions and number of traps in use etc. Always check local laws and regulations prior to purchasing your trap.
What do I use?
For our live bait, we use a hard plastic box with a small hole in the top for the fish to swim into. We use ours in salt water – hence the plastic build – for small mullet. We generally fill it with breadcrumbs and submerge in around a foot or so of water. It works a treat for us!
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. Gee-Feets G-40 Minnow Trap
The first on my list is a trap use mainly for minnow that is a popular choice for both experienced and recreational anglers alike. The dimensions of the product do conform with most state regulations and its construction material is very durable. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Gees
- Construction material: Galvanized steel
- Species: Minnows and other small fish
- Weight: 0.51 pounds
- Dimensions: 24 x 13 x 11 inches
Other inclusions:
- 1-year warranty
- Semi-collapsible
Why have I chosen it?
The first product that I recommend is constructed from ¼ galvanized steel making is a highly durable option in all types of water. It is semi-collapsible, making it easy to store when not in use and n terms of regulations, this live bait trap is built in accordance with the laws of various states in terms of overall dimensions and entrance hole size as well.
2. DILVREWA Folded Fishing Trap
The next product is a multi-purpose option to assist you in catching both Live bait and crustaceans as well. The product’s design makes it possible to lure your target fish from every angle with simple setup via a simple pull of the center rope. See its specifications below:
- Brand: DILVREWA
- Construction material: Thickened steel wire
- Species: Fish and crustaceans
- Weight: 1.04 pounds
- Dimensions: ‎17.01 x 10.79 x 1.38 inches
Other inclusions:
- Multi-openings fishing trap
- Mesh support
- 360 degrees design
Why have I chosen it?
This trap has an ingenious 360-degree design that allows baitfish to enter from all directions which enables you to catch minnows, small crabs, crawfish and any other underwater creatures that fit through its openings. This bait trap is also made of a durable nylon mesh, which keeps the weight down and allows for foldability. The mesh is also robust and will prevent baitfish from escaping the trap. A great option for those who like to trap live bait on a regular basis.
3. Frabill Rectangular Bait Trap
My last recommended item is a rugged and durable live bait trap that is reliable in catching minnows and other bait fish in all conditions and water types. In terms of portability, this live bait trap weighs only two pounds and folds down for ease of transport. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Frabill
- Construction material: Vinyl-dipped steel mesh construction
- Species: Minnows and others
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Dimensions: 18 x 8 x 8 inches
Other inclusions:
- Spring-loaded door
- Corrosion-resistant
- Camouflaged color
Why have I chosen it?
The final live bait trap is effective for minnows, bluegills, sunfish and whatever fits through its trap doors. The mesh is corrosion-resistant and has been tested to withstand many years of repeated use in both freshwater and saltwater environments. This product weighs slightly more than 2 pounds and has a compact design in comparison to other non-folding traps available. This is a fantastic option for fishers of all levels, especially if you are dropping from a boat.
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Conclusion
There you have it, my three best live bait traps for your bait hunting activities. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections, or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time
Have fun
Paul
