Crafting Fish Traps: Chicken Wire Tricks

Fishing in a river can be an enjoyable and fruitful activity, and building your own fish trap out of chicken wire is a great way to catch river fish. Before building your trap, it is important to establish the type and size of fish you want to catch, as well as the depth of the river. There are two main types of chicken wire fish traps: cylindrical and rectangular. Cylindrical traps are easier to make and require fewer tools, but they may not be suitable for rivers with high flow rates. Rectangular traps, on the other hand, are more sturdy and durable but take more time and tools to build. When building your trap, it is important to use the appropriate mesh size for the type of fish you are targeting and to check local fishing laws and regulations to ensure that your trap is legal.

Trap shape: cylindrical or rectangular

There are two types of fish traps that can be made out of chicken wire: cylindrical and rectangular.

Cylindrical fish traps are easier to make as they require fewer tools and less time to build compared to rectangular traps. However, they are not suitable for rivers with a high flow rate as they might get fouled before catching any fish. To make a cylindrical trap, cut a rectangular piece of chicken wire that is twice as long as it is wide. Roll the rectangle into a cylinder shape and lace the cut ends together to secure it. One side of the cylinder should be flattened to prevent the trap from rolling. Next, cut out a piece of chicken wire for the door, fold it in half to make it stronger, and attach it to the cylinder using thick wire. Finally, add a cone-shaped funnel to the trap, ensuring that the only opening is the funnel.

Rectangular traps, on the other hand, are more sturdy and durable, making them better suited for fast-flowing rivers. They require more time and tools to build. To make a rectangular trap, cut a 3ft by 8ft piece of chicken wire and roll it to form an oval-like funnel. Fit the funnel into the open end of a rectangular frame and secure it with tying wire. Cut a 1ft square opening on one side of the trap and create a door for it using a 3ft by 1.5ft piece of chicken wire. Attach the door with tying wire and add ropes of varying lengths to the trap before placing it in the river.

Regardless of the shape chosen, it is important to consider the size of the fish you want to catch when building your trap. The diameter of the hexagonal gaps in your chicken wire should be between 0.5 to 1 inch, depending on the size of your desired catch.

Chicken wire size

Chicken wire is available in various gauges, usually ranging from 19 gauge (about 1 mm wire) to 22 gauge (about 0.7 mm wire). The hexagonal gaps in the wire mesh typically come in sizes of 0.5 inches, 1 inch (about 2.5 cm), or 2 inches (about 5 cm). The size of the mesh will depend on the size of the fish you want to catch. For smaller bait fish like minnows, a mesh size of 1/4 or 1/2 inch (0.6 or 1.3 cm) is suitable. For larger fish like suckers, carp, or catfish, a mesh size of 1 inch or larger may be necessary.

Chicken wire is sold in rolls of various lengths and widths, commonly ranging from 10 to 50 meters in length and 0.5 to 2 meters in width. The wire thickness can vary from 0.7 mm to 1.6 mm. When building a fish trap, it is important to consider the size of the trap, which will depend on the size of the fish and the waters you plan to trap them in. For example, a trap designed to catch large catfish will need to be much bigger than one meant for minnows.

Chicken wire can be cut and shaped to form the body of the trap, typically a cylinder or a rectangle. The size of the chicken wire sheet used will depend on the desired dimensions of the trap. For example, to build a cylindrical trap, you might start with a rectangular piece of chicken wire that is about twice as long as it is wide. The specific measurements will depend on the size of the trap you want to build.

In summary, the size of the chicken wire you choose will depend on the type of fish you are targeting and the design of your fish trap. It is important to consider the gauge, mesh size, length, and width of the chicken wire to ensure it is suitable for your needs.

Trap construction

There are two types of fish traps that can be made out of chicken wire: cylindrical and rectangular.

Cylindrical Fish Trap

Cylindrical fish traps are easier to make because they require fewer tools and less time to build compared to rectangular traps. However, they may not be suitable for rivers with a high rate of flow as they can get fouled before catching any fish.

To build a cylindrical fish trap, start by cutting a rectangular piece of chicken wire that is 72 inches wide and 60 inches long. Form this into a cylinder shape by lacing the cut ends together. Flatten one side of the cylinder to prevent it from rolling, which should create a flat side that measures 19 inches. Secure the top section of the cylinder by lacing the cut edges together.

Next, create the cone-shaped funnels that will act as the entrance and exit for the fish. Cut two pieces of chicken wire in the shape of a half-circle and roll them into cone shapes. The cones should be slightly larger than the size of the fish you want to catch. Attach the cones to either end of the cylinder using wire, ensuring that they are inverted so that fish can swim in but not out.

Now, it's time to add the door, which will allow you to place bait and remove fish. Decide on the size and location of the door, and then cut out a piece of the cylinder. Create a door by cutting a square or rectangular piece of chicken wire that is slightly larger than the opening. Fold this piece in half to make it stronger, and then attach it to the opening using a coil of thick wire.

Finally, attach an anchor rope to the trap. This will help to secure the trap in place and withstand the weight of any caught fish.

Rectangular Fish Trap

Rectangular fish traps are more sturdy and durable, making them a better choice for fast-flowing rivers. However, they require more time and tools to build.

To build a rectangular trap, start by cutting a 3ft by 8ft piece of chicken wire. Roll it to form an oval-like funnel, ensuring that the wider mouth completely closes one end of the rectangular frame and overlaps the sides. The small diameter of the funnel should face inwards. Secure the funnel to the frame using tying wire, ensuring that it is the only opening to the trap.

Next, cut out a 1ft square opening on one of the trap's walls. This will serve as the door for placing bait and removing fish. Create the door by cutting a 3ft by 1.5ft rectangle out of chicken wire and folding it in half to form a square. Attach the door to the opening using tying wire.

Finally, attach two ropes to the trap: a short rope (2-3 feet) on one end and a long rope (15-30 feet) on the other. These ropes will help you secure the trap in place and retrieve it when necessary.

Additional Considerations

When constructing your fish trap, it's important to consider the size and type of fish you want to catch, as well as the depth and current of the river. The diameter of the hexagonal gaps in your chicken wire, or the mesh size, will depend on the size of the fish you're targeting. For example, a trap for minnows or panfish can be smaller (12 inches by 24 inches), while a trap for larger catfish, carp, or suckers will need to be much bigger.

It's also important to check your local fishing laws and regulations to ensure that you are allowed to use fish traps. Some jurisdictions may require licensing or specific information to be tagged on your trap.

Trap bait

If you are looking to trap carnivorous fish, minnows are a good option. Minnows are tiny fish that can be bought at fishing stores and used alive to draw the attention of the fish you want to trap. Another option for trapping carnivorous fish is crickets, which are considered a delicacy for many fish.

Some other common trap baits include rabbit feed pellets, cat food pellets, cotton seed meal cakes, cornbread, and Limburger cheese. You can also use vegetables as bait, such as zucchini or broccoli.

When using bait in a fish trap, it is important to check the trap regularly, at least every 12 hours, to remove any caught fish and replace the bait if necessary. It is also essential to check local fishing laws and regulations before setting up a fish trap to avoid any legal issues.

Trapping laws

Before setting up a fish trap, it is important to be aware of the trapping laws in your area. Trapping laws vary across different states and jurisdictions, so it is essential to check with your local fish and game department for specific regulations. Here are some key considerations regarding trapping laws:

• Legal considerations: Ask yourself if trapping can be done legally in your state or jurisdiction. Comply with state laws and regulations regarding trapping and transporting wildlife. Remember that even if trapping is allowed, certain species may be protected or have specific restrictions.
• Humaneness: Consider the humaneness of the trapping method. While cage traps can offer non-lethal solutions, animals may still experience stress and physical damage during capture. Captured animals may also face adverse conditions, such as extreme weather or lack of water, which can lead to their death even after release. Therefore, carefully follow all recommended precautions to minimize harm to the trapped animals.
• Licensing requirements: Some jurisdictions may require a license to trap fish. Check if you need a fishing license for the specific type of trapping you intend to do. In some cases, you may need to provide your license information, name, address, and phone number on your trap.
• Trap maintenance and disposal: It is your responsibility to maintain and regularly check your traps. Remove any caught fish and ensure the trap is in good condition. Do not abandon your trap if you decide to stop trapping; properly dispose of it or remove it from the trapping area.
• Animal release and disposal: If you accidentally trap a non-target animal or need to release undersized fish, follow the proper procedures. Some jurisdictions may require you to release non-target animals immediately. Additionally, properly dispose of any euthanized animals' carcasses, following local guidelines for burial depth and distance from water sources.
• Trap placement and marking: Be mindful of where you place your trap. Avoid trapping diurnal animals at night and nocturnal animals during the day by setting and closing traps at the appropriate times. Mark the location of your trap and, if required, provide your contact information on the trap itself.
• Trap stability and safety: Ensure your trap is stable and secure. Test it several times to ensure it functions properly and does not pose a safety hazard to the target animal or other wildlife. Use appropriate weights or anchors to stabilize the trap and prevent it from being dragged away or causing injury.

Remember, it is your responsibility to follow all applicable trapping laws and regulations. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with any aspect of the trapping process, consider hiring a professional or seeking advice from local authorities or wildlife damage control companies.

Frequently asked questions