kayakers. what is the recommended Crab trap for us?

Damn. I have a lot to figure out.

I have 3 of the flat hoops - lighter, cheaper, etc.. and was a big proponent (they load faster) a couple years ago when I was getting good scores. But this last season I failed to get any legals in 2 trips. It can't possibly be me, so it must be the hoops. I think maybe the larger, older, smarter crabs are gunning for the exit as I pull the hoops.

thanks,  speed reading regulations now.

my rookie thinking was Trap=hoop nets.

A "trap" is completely enclosed. Flat hoop nets, or conical are open and not considered a trap.

I fish a mix of flat hoops and conical up to 4 of each. I find the conical hold crab better, but take longer to load. Flat hoops load super fast (15 mins) but also empty out fast. I use the flats to prospect areas while my conicals are loading. I use the inflatable outriggers for crabbing which is how I carry so much gear.

Good luck and have fun!

Interesting.... don't suppose you have a pic of your outrigger setup (or maybe just a link if it's a standard store-bought thing). I'm pretty happy with my usual 3-conical routine but there's times I wish I had more room for storage and the added stability of an outrigger when hauling up gear heh

I appreciate the info shared here. I’m gearing up for crabs. Going to try the Promar Ambush hoops. Thank you all for the tips 🤙🏼

Dang, looks like I am deep in the minority for flat hoops, haha.  I might need to try an ambush type or two this coming season.  I still gotta sort out how to load my kayak - haven't crabbed off either of my current 'yaks yet.

I put mine on the bow.  I use a 2' section of 1" PVC in the mast hole to hold them there without securing them in case of capsize.  It works well for me with 3 hoops up there. 

The post below shows how I load my hoops and the full thread has some other ideas. John makes a good point about not securing them to your kayak. My buoys will float my hoops if I ever capsize.

https://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=93795.msg1056913#msg1056913

Dang, looks like I am deep in the minority for flat hoops, haha.  I might need to try an ambush type or two this coming season.  I still gotta sort out how to load my kayak - haven't crabbed off either of my current 'yaks yet.

I put mine on the bow.  I use a 2' section of 1" PVC in the mast hole to hold them there without securing them in case of capsize.  It works well for me with 3 hoops up there.

Thanks for this Ted!  I've been pondering some sort of rack situation, but this sounds much simpler. 

Dang, looks like I am deep in the minority for flat hoops, haha.  I might need to try an ambush type or two this coming season.  I still gotta sort out how to load my kayak - haven't crabbed off either of my current 'yaks yet.

I put mine on the bow.  I use a 2' section of 1" PVC in the mast hole to hold them there without securing them in case of capsize.  It works well for me with 3 hoops up there.

you just stick up a post from the mast hole and set the hoops on top over the post?   

Dang, looks like I am deep in the minority for flat hoops, haha.  I might need to try an ambush type or two this coming season.  I still gotta sort out how to load my kayak - haven't crabbed off either of my current 'yaks yet.

I put mine on the bow.  I use a 2' section of 1" PVC in the mast hole to hold them there without securing them in case of capsize.  It works well for me with 3 hoops up there.

you just stick up a post from the mast hole and set the hoops on top over the post?

Yup.

Dang, looks like I am deep in the minority for flat hoops, haha.  I might need to try an ambush type or two this coming season.  I still gotta sort out how to load my kayak - haven't crabbed off either of my current 'yaks yet.

I put mine on the bow.  I use a 2' section of 1" PVC in the mast hole to hold them there without securing them in case of capsize.  It works well for me with 3 hoops up there.

you just stick up a post from the mast hole and set the hoops on top over the post?

Yup.

I love it.  simplicity.