Constructing Crawfish Traps: Chicken Wire Wonders

Building a crawfish trap out of chicken wire is a fun DIY project that can be done at home. Chicken wire is a versatile material that can be cut, shaped, and joined to create a functional crawfish trap. While some people choose to purchase crawfish traps, making one at home can be a rewarding experience and can often be more cost-effective. In this discussion, we will explore the steps and techniques involved in constructing a crawfish trap using chicken wire, as well as the types of bait that can be used to attract these elusive crustaceans.

Chicken wire sheet size: 2ft x 3.5ft, with 0.5-inch square holes

Chicken wire is a great material to build a crawfish trap. You can buy chicken wire sheets in a 2ft x 3.5ft size with 0.5-inch square holes, which is perfect for creating a crawfish trap. The sheet can be cut and shaped to form a trap with a funnel or cone shape, which is an effective design for crawfish.

To build a crawfish trap, you will need to cut and shape the chicken wire. Using wire cutters or strong scissors, cut the 2ft side of the sheet to create a 1ft width. You now have a 1ft x 3.5ft rectangle. Roll this rectangle into a cylinder shape, ensuring the 0.5-inch holes are facing outwards. Secure the cylinder with zip ties or wire, creating a strong structure.

Next, you will create the funnel or cone-shaped ends of the trap. Cut two squares of chicken wire, each measuring 1ft x 1ft. Roll these into cone shapes, with one end having a wider opening than the other. These cones will be attached to each end of the cylinder, with the narrow end of the cone facing outwards. Secure the cones to the cylinder with more zip ties or wire, ensuring a sturdy connection.

Now, you will add a trap door to one of the cone ends. Cut a hole in the centre of the cone, starting about 3 squares down from the cylinder. Make the hole 9 squares by 8 squares in size. With excess chicken wire, cut a door that is slightly larger than the hole, perhaps 10 squares by 11 squares. Attach the door to the bottom side of the hole with zip ties, and use a rubber band and a piece of chain link to keep the door shut securely.

Finally, you can add weights to your trap, such as rocks, to ensure it sinks properly when tossed into the water. You can also create a retrieval system by making bobbers out of rope, plastic bottles, and wire. For bait, raw chicken necks, and leftover fish flesh are known to attract crawfish.

Cut and roll the wire to make two cones and a cylinder

To build a crawfish trap out of chicken wire, you'll need to start by cutting and rolling the wire to create the frame of your trap. Here's a step-by-step guide to making two cones and a cylinder:

Cutting and Rolling the Chicken Wire:

• Cutting the Chicken Wire to Size: Start by measuring and cutting your chicken wire to the desired length. You'll need enough wire to create two cones and a cylinder. A sheet of chicken wire measuring 2 feet by 3.5 feet should be sufficient.
• Rolling the Wire to Form Cones: Take one end of the cut wire and begin to roll it into a cone shape. You can secure the edge with staples, epoxy, or any suitable fastener. Repeat this process to create the second cone.
• Creating the Cylinder: For the cylinder, you'll need to roll the chicken wire around a wider structure, such as a bottle or cylinder form, to get the desired shape. Ensure that the cylinder is large enough to accommodate the crawfish. Secure the ends of the wire with fasteners or by twisting the ends together.
• Attaching the Cones to the Cylinder: With your cones and cylinder ready, attach the narrow ends of the cones to opposite sides of the cylinder. This forms the basic structure of your crawfish trap.

Remember to wear gloves when working with chicken wire to protect your hands from the sharp edges. You can now continue with the rest of the steps to complete your crawfish trap, such as adding a trap door and bait.

Use a trap door to keep crawfish inside

To build a crawfish trap out of chicken wire, you'll need to start with a sheet of chicken wire that's about 2ft x 3.5ft. Use the type with 0.5-inch x 0.5-inch square holes. You'll also need some bait, such as chicken necks, chicken wire, and a chain handle.

Now, let's talk about the trap door mechanism to keep the crawfish inside:

Creating the Trap Door

Cut a hole in the centre of your trap, starting about three squares down from the chain handle. The hole should be slightly smaller than the door you'll create with the excess chicken wire. In the example provided, the hole was 9 squares by 8 squares, and the door was 10 squares by 11 squares. This slight overlap will ensure that the door covers the hole effectively.

Attaching the Trap Door

Secure the trap door to the bottom side of the hole using zip ties. You can trim the excess length of the zip ties after securing the door. This will ensure that the door remains shut when you want to keep the crawfish inside.

Securing the Trap Door Shut

To keep the trap door securely shut, use a combination of rubber bands and a piece of chain link. Slide the rubber bands through the wire on the door and pull them tight. Attach one end of the chain link to the door and the other end to the trap, creating a latch. This will keep the door shut until you're ready to release the crawfish.

Baiting the Trap

Once your trap with the trap door mechanism is ready, it's time to add bait. Raw chicken necks are recommended as crawfish are attracted to the blood. You can also use other types of raw meat or fish flesh as bait. Place the bait securely inside the trap, and you're ready to set it up!

Remember to check local regulations before setting up any traps to ensure you're following legal and ethical guidelines.

Use raw chicken necks as bait

Chicken wire can be used to build a crawfish trap, but what about the bait? Raw chicken necks are a great option! Chicken necks are readily available in large quantities and at low cost at supermarkets during the summer. They are also available at pet food suppliers.

Chicken necks are a versatile bait that can be used to catch a variety of fish and crustaceans, including crawfish. When using a crawfish trap, it is important to secure the bait to the trap. This can be done by tying the chicken necks to the trap with string or nylon cord. The chicken necks can also be slipped into a nylon stocking before being placed in the trap, to prevent the crawfish from destroying the bait.

In addition to chicken necks, crawfish are scavengers and will eat just about anything, including raw meat, fish, and animals. Other options for bait include fish heads, fish flesh, bologna, hot dogs, bacon, and crawfish pellets. When using raw meat as bait, it is important to remember that blood will attract crawfish from a greater distance than cooked meat.

When using chicken necks or other bait to catch crawfish, it is important to be quick as crawfish are fast and can let go of the bait as soon as they break the surface of the water. With the right bait and a little patience, you'll be well on your way to catching crawfish!

Weigh your trap down with rocks to stop it floating

Weighing your crawfish trap down with rocks is a great way to stop it from floating away. This is a simple and effective method to ensure your trap stays in place and sits firmly on the riverbed or pond bed. It is important to add enough weight to keep the trap in position, but not too much that it compromises the space available for crawfish to enter.

To achieve this, you can add a few rocks or gravel inside your trap. This will give it the necessary weight to remain stable and submerged. It is a good idea to experiment with the weight to ensure the trap sinks properly. You can start by adding a small amount of weight and gradually increasing until the trap is secure. This way, you can avoid overloading it.

Another technique is to attach weights directly to the trap. You can tie lead fishing weights near the top and bottom of the trap with zip ties or small pieces of wire. This will ensure the trap sinks and stays in place. Again, it is important to use the appropriate amount of weight so as not to restrict the entrance for the crawfish.

When weighing your trap down, it is crucial to consider the size and design of your trap. For example, if you are using a bottle trap, you may need to add more weight to counterbalance the buoyancy of the bottle. On the other hand, if you are using a chicken wire trap, the weight of the wire itself may be sufficient, and you may only need a few rocks to keep it in place.

By following these guidelines and adapting them to your specific trap design, you can effectively weigh down your crawfish trap with rocks, ensuring it stays put and attracts those crawfish! Remember to experiment with the weight and make adjustments as needed to create the optimal conditions for a successful catch.

Frequently asked questions