The Saltwater Magazine for Gulf Coast Fishing!
FISHING FORECASTS
| FISHING CALENDARS | ARTICLES | ADVERTISE
| SUBSCRIBE
Search Gulf Coast Fisherman's
Web Site
Past articles, specific
places or fish, etc.
How to Build a Pinfish Trap
by David Ayers
Equipment Notebook - Suumer 2014
| CURRENT
MOON lunar phases |
While preparing for a trip to Port St. Joe, Florida to do some fishing, I had a discussion with a friend of mine, George Phillips, who was also going on the trip. He asked if I would bring a pin fish trap. It was a perfect idea, but I didn't have one! I though it would be a great small project to undertake. All I needed was some small gauge galvanized wire mesh, some nylon cable ties, a small bungee cord, wire snips and pliers.
I wanted to make two traps, and for under $20 I had everything I needed including some new inexpensive snips. I looked at several designs. I am positive that a funnel-type entry is essential to keep fish in the trap. Once fish enter they swim along the walls to find an exit. But instead they find the corners where they congregate. Finding their way out of a funnel-entry is nearly impossible.
Cut galvanized wire mesh to make a cylinder about 24 inches long. Join the mesh together with nylon cable ties. |
Make a 'funnel' in a vee-shape in one end of the cylinder. Contour the vee to fit the sides, join with cable ties. |
Once the funnel is secured, snip a few wires to make an entrance for the fish trap and bend them open. |
Cut an oversized piece of mesh for the opposite 'door.' Make a hinge by attaching along the bottom only. |
Bend over the 'tabs' on the oversized mesh piece so fish can't escape. Use bungee with hooks to secure door closed. |
Attach a rope handle and a weight in the bottom. Bait the trap and lower away. Here's George with the proof! |