The Sustainable Living Center in Lincoln City is running a series of tests to determine which Crab trap will catch the most “Keepers.” A Keeper measures at least five (5) ¾ inches across the shell.
The experts predicted the Oregon Coast will have a 9.0 earthquake and tsunami. It is not a question if it is going to happen, but when. According to FEMA in Portland, it will be 18 -24 months before the roads and bridges are repaired for food and fuel to be delivered to the coast.
There will be a food shortage, but if one has the best Crab trap, knows how to use it, knows how to clean and cook Crab, they will have an endless source of food and an excellent source of protein.
Three Crab traps to be tested in Newport, Oregon … “Dungeness Crab Capital of the World.”
Phase One
Danielson Crab Trap….. is a “SOAKER” type of Crab Trap. Meaning you pull the trap after it has soaked for an hour or so. It is 2 ft by 2 ft by 1 ft. Danielson works by using the Crab’s instincts to trap itself. It lures the Crab with bait bag into the large cage through strategically placed openings that they can enter, but cannot escape.
Ring Crab Trap …. The concept is straightforward: bait the crabs into the ring and “pull” the trap up when you think the crabs are inside of it. The absolute most straightforward crab ring is a two-ring crab net. You should pull the Crab Ring up quickly as the outer ring forms a wall so the Crab cannot escape. You will pull a Crab Ring up every 5 -10 minutes depending on the crab activity.
Crab Max Trap … Crab Max consists of two metal netted 18″ triangular sides. When lying flat, it takes the shape of a square 18″ X 18″. It is the only Crab trap that can be used from the shore as well from a dock, pier or boat. It is the smallest of the three traps. It is excellent for women and children to use. It can be used from a kayak, Crab-Cat, or boat with limited space.
Bait & Bait Bags
Any bait will works. Phase one will use fresh chicken. Things that are natural to crabs seem to do better, such as fish carcasses, squid, clams, and the like. Natural baits also have a downside in that seals seem to love them as much as the Crab. Phase one uses a bait bag to keep the seals at bay. It will also help to keep the Crab on your bait longer.
Phase one testing procedure
The tests will be on the Newport Fishing and Crabbing Pier near the Rogue Brewery
Three Crab locations to be used on the pier. At the first location, a Danielson Traps with bait bag is placed in the water. Iy will soak for one hour. After one hour, it is raised, and the number of Keepers is recorded.
At the second pier location on the same pier, a baited Crab Ring is placed in the water. It will soak for 5 -10 minutes. After each raise, the number of Keepers is recorded.
At the third pier location on the same pier, a baited Crab Max is placed in the water. It will soak for 5 -10 minutes. After each raise, the number of Keepers is recorded.
After one hour, the traps rotate to a different location. For example, the Danielson trap will move to where the Crab Ring was crabbing.
After the second hour, the traps rotate to a different location. For example, the Danielson trap will move to where the Crab Max was crabbing.
The results of the testing will be published on this web site when completed please back to see the results.
