Crab Trap Questions

1.  For those who use the Danielson wire traps, do you launch with them collapsed?  It seems rather awkward to open them while in the kayak.  On the other hand, if you launch with them open they take up a lot of space and raise the COG.

2.  I have tried the Promar TR-102W collapsible traps but they aren't very sturdy.  Sea lions have torn up two and bent the frames.

3.  I have tried the Promar 162 collapsible round traps but the latches to keep the trap closed have sometimes come open.  Any solutions?

4.  I am considering trying the Promar ambush hoop traps but I wish that they were collapsible.  Are there any other brands of ambush trap that are collapsible?  If not, has anyone tried a DIY modification?

I use the Danielson wire pots, and I launch with them collapsed.  It adds a few minutes to my set up time but as you noted, it takes up way less space. 

I've seen a collapsible trap that was very similar to the Ambush style nets... but that was at Sports Authority before they got rid of their fishing gear.

4.  I am considering trying the Promar ambush hoop traps but I wish that they were collapsible.  Are there any other brands of ambush trap that are collapsible?  If not, has anyone tried a DIY modification?

Promar offers up the Eclipse, which is collapsible.  I have one, but I zip tied it rigid so it doesn't collapse.  Cones stack really nicely on top of each other so I don't see a need to collapse them.

-Allen

I really like the ambush, plus they stack nicely.

4.  I am considering trying the Promar ambush hoop traps but I wish that they were collapsible.  Are there any other brands of ambush trap that are collapsible?  If not, has anyone tried a DIY modification?

Promar offers up the Eclipse, which is collapsible.  I have one, but I zip tied it rigid so it doesn't collapse.  Cones stack really nicely on top of each other so I don't see a need to collapse them.

-Allen

Thanks; the Eclipse looks like exactly what I want.

4.  I am considering trying the Promar ambush hoop traps but I wish that they were collapsible.  Are there any other brands of ambush trap that are collapsible?  If not, has anyone tried a DIY modification?

Promar offers up the Eclipse, which is collapsible.  I have one, but I zip tied it rigid so it doesn't collapse.  Cones stack really nicely on top of each other so I don't see a need to collapse them.

-Allen

Thanks; the Eclipse looks like exactly what I want.

I'd suggest bringing zip ties with you onto the crab ground to make the Eclipse more rigid.  Actually, this was suggested to me from Promar.

-Allen