Foxy-Mate 66 Crab Trap

I purchased this low profile, closed-top box trap along with the larger Tackle Factory Foxy-Mate 120 open top box trap. I bought the Foxy-Mate 66 specifically to use in spots where the larger/higher 120 trap might be tossed about by surf or current AND to see if the closed top/open sides design attracted more crabs or not. As with the 120 trap, I replaced the sturdy cotton string provided with synthetic braided blind cord tied to a swivel snap and small float. As with the 120, the lines worked well and never got hung up on the trap when pulled up. It is also galvanized steel, so hopefully no problem with rusting. The trap grating is sturdy and won't bend or become misshapen with ordinary use. Assembly is necessary. For the first-timers, there's a bit of a trick to getting the four corner upright supports properly snapped into place with the top and bottom, but instructions are provided and it worked out fine. I modified this trap by zip tying one ounce egg weights to the top of each "door/side" to facilitation drop-down and laying flat when deployed. I added a two ounce egg weight to the bottom. Each side is connected to the bottom with two strong hog clips. I added two more on each side to support smooth opening and closing. This trap is about 6 inches tall and, with the closed top, I was concerned that it might not be spacious enough to allow a large crab entry but that didn't prove to be the case. I haven't used either trap (120 vs 66) enough to say if one facilitates catching more than the other. I caught crabs with both. The 66 is, of course, a little bit smaller and may prove to be useful in tight spots, strong currents, or with kids who might find it easier to handle. Overall, I'm very happy with both Foxy-Mate traps and recommend them.

I have no idea why this product is rated as low as it is. It is not reflective of what it is or its price point. I have a variety of crab traps and the four of these I own are by far the best value and most effective. It's galvanized so it holds up in the salt water. We use it to catch blue crabs on cape cod. If the crabs are there, it never fails to bring some dinner home. I prefer the galvanized over the vinyl coated traps. It will collapse down, but I generally leave them fully assembled in my dedicated "crabbing bucket". I used a small strip of thin gauge wire to hold the bait (or bait bag) in place.

Neat like crab trap but I improved it some. First I zip tied two of the sides up to make it more stable. Zip tied a 4" stainless steel safety pin to the inside bottom, so I can clip.my bait on it. (You can get these on Amazon). Then the string that came with it is to thin and I don't believe it will hold up, so I used a 3 ply heavier cotton cord instead. Tie a 25ft piece of cord to the top that when pulled will close the two sides. It works great now. Depending on the current of the water you might need to add some weight to the bottom.

I haven't tried out the crab traps as yet, but they look familiar to what I used back in New Jersey. Only think is I think the top plate hangs a little low but I will see if it works when I go crabbing soon. Outside of that, instead of string that came with the kit to pull the side panels closed, I bought 65 Lb. Braid fishing line, that way the crabs won't have a chance to cut the lines while fishing for crabs. Those critters gnaw on everything and the string would only be an easy way for them to escape.

These are....ok, I guess. They are lightly built, the doors only loosely attached to the bottom of the frame, and the cheesy twine as a harness are completely worthless, so don't even bother with that. I had an old ripped up cast net lying about, so I cut out some of the heavy mono spreader leader and used that to rig up the harness, inside of a snap ring which I use to attach a length of paracord with a snap swivel with a loop on the other end. I also use a Mueller test clip wire tied to the top of the unit to hold the bait. But it's a bit of a challenge to get the makeshift harness exactly the way you want it - lots of trial and error. In short, these are usable for recreational crabbers not looking to break the bank on crab traps but who are looking to actually catch crabs. I give them a 3/5. These could be made a lot better, but would probably cost three times as much.

Feels very cheap. If it is not placed down properly all the doors will not open. Does not catch decent sized crabs.

This is perfect for catching crabs . Just put bait in and throw it in the water. Good for use off of a boat or a pier.

First the bad, no instructions so figure it out on your own. Not rocket science. Now the good. These work great. Just zip tie your chicken, or bacon in and drop down. You cannot toss these like you can crawl in traps. Perfect for fishing from bridges, in front of big culverts, beach flats, shallow water, anywhere the trap has room to lay flat. All crabs need, even big ones is an inch or so to crawl in so if a door doesn't open completely, no big deal. Just often up and reset if it bugs you! The metal is great for crabbing in rocky areas as the metal is tough but be careful so the edges don't snag your hands or scratch your leg. Buying more now!