Best gear for crabbing(pots vs rings)

I have been using rings since I usually set them out and run back and forth. I have lost some nice crabs in my collapsible rings while lifting. I do not leave gear overnight to soak so if I used pots they would be out only for an hour or two.

  What is the benefits of pots and are there any downfalls?

 I am thinking about putting away the rings and getting three nice pots for my runs.

 I kinda think its gonna be a matter of opinion. IMO i prefer rings, alot of other guys are diffrent. I've never had a problem getting my limit and they stack  an tie down nice on my yak.

traps are better for longer soaks, and they can hold more crab and prevent them from escaping.

rings will not hold crab if there is no bait, and as you've experienced you can lose crab on the way up.  for short soaks i think rings should work fine for you, as they are slightly less work than the traps since you have to fold them up, and are a little less bulky.  if what you're doing is working, no reason to fix it..if not then consider traps.

i personally like to do both because when i'm bored waiting for the traps i can play with the rings.

If you go with traps and you want it to last long, I think the danielson 24 inch collapsibles are best.  I have the promar tr102's and I see some wear and tear on those traps already. I've only taken them out 4 times.  I already have to fix the escape rings on some of them.  I'm already shopping for a danielson.  Anyone know a good place to buy them cheap in the bay area?

Rey

Fishermanswarehouse has them for 20 when u buy 2 or more

Fishermanswarehouse has them for 20 when u buy 2 or more

Thanks Hai.  Sounds like a great deal for a Danielson.  Probably go there tonight.

Rey

danielson pots, plastic bait jars with extra holes drilled. three 1.5lb lead bars diagonally spread across the underside of the bottom. lead wire coiled or weights on all gates. bait jar should touch the bottom while hanging from the top. cut anchovies in the jar with a chicken leg wired through the drilled holes on the side of the jar.
  now go get some.

I think the danielson 24 inch collapsibles are best.  I have the promar tr102's and I see some wear and tear on those traps already. I've only taken them out 4 times. 

I'm coming to the same conclusion, I'll probably pick up a couple Danielson's to try out before my 102's fall apart. As for rings, I'm gonna carry 1 for prospecting/short soaks while the traps are soaking.

Rings are way more fun.

i personally like to do both because when i'm bored waiting for the traps i can play with the rings.

Yeppers.   

Another thing with rings is that at shallow depths, furbags can nab your bait - had that happen at Doran off the jetty once. The bastard just swam up & down the jetty feeding off peoples hoops. Mesh bags & ties didn't phase him one bit; hard bait jars might be more of a deterrent...

An in-between option is the conical/ambush type traps.  I was able to pick one up for $25 and can't wait to try it for short soaks without having to check every 15 minutes. 

Sometimes it takes awhile for the crab to enter the collapsible promars, so I'm hoping this will help the technically-challenged dungies.

Another thing with rings is that at shallow depths, furbags can nab your bait - had that happen at Doran off the jetty once. The bastard just swam up & down the jetty feeding off peoples hoops. Mesh bags & ties didn't phase him one bit; hard bait jars might be more of a deterrent...

The sealions there will also suck your bait through a bait cage. I don't know how, but they do.

Another thing with rings is that at shallow depths, furbags can nab your bait - had that happen at Doran off the jetty once. The bastard just swam up & down the jetty feeding off peoples hoops. Mesh bags & ties didn't phase him one bit; hard bait jars might be more of a deterrent...

The sealions there will also suck your bait through a bait cage. I don't know how, but they do.

Houdini fur bags

danielson pots, plastic bait jars with extra holes drilled. three 1.5lb lead bars diagonally spread across the underside of the bottom. lead wire coiled or weights on all gates. bait jar should touch the bottom while hanging from the top. cut anchovies in the jar with a chicken leg wired through the drilled holes on the side of the jar.
  now go get some.

I have used the Scotty bait jars and had no luck with them on short soaks until I drilled a bunch of 1/4" holes in the side of them. Now I throw some squid and old bait fish in them and hang them in the trap and they are ready to go.

 You always have to drill more holes in the bait jars, thats the first thing i do before i fish it. I picked up another ring an jar last night