Fishing Traps
Fishing traps are a practical and effective solution for catching livebait such as minnows, shrimp, prawns, crayfish, and other small aquatic species. Designed to work passively in rivers, canals, lakes, or estuaries, traps allow anglers to gather natural bait for predator fishing or small-scale harvesting in an ethical, efficient way. Since 1988, we’ve supported UK anglers with reliable, legal, and easy-to-use traps built for both fresh and saltwater environments.
- Fishing Traps
HANABASS 10pcs Mesh Bag for Lure with Drawstring, Mesh Non-Woven Draw Woven Lure Bag for Fishing Bait Trap Shrimping Crabbing Muslin Bags Straining Bag Foldable Fishing Trap
Original price was: £7.26.£6.09Current price is: £6.09. *View On Amazon* - Fishing Traps
Milisten Fishing Bait Traps, Crawfish Net Cage Minnow Crawdad Shrimp Bait Cast Net Dip Cage for Crab Lobster Fish Crayfish
Original price was: £18.84.£17.66Current price is: £17.66. *View On Amazon* - Fishing Traps
Foldable Portable Steel Wire Fishing Pot Trap Net Crawdad Fish Basket
£10.34 *View On Amazon* - Fishing Traps
Dilwe Fishing Net, Quickly Opened Fishing Bait Traps with Zipper for Fishes Shrimp Minnow Crayfish Crab Crawdad (6 Holes)
Original price was: £12.54.£9.70Current price is: £9.70. *View On Amazon* - Fishing Traps
EASY BIG Foldable Bait Trap Fishing Net – Hand Cast Cage for Catching Fish Shrimp Crab Crawfish
Original price was: £14.99.£13.99Current price is: £13.99. *View On Amazon*
Why Use Fishing Traps?
Fishing traps offer a low-effort, high-reward method of bait collection, ideal for anglers targeting pike, zander, perch, bass, or sea species that prefer live or natural baits. When placed correctly, traps do the work for you — making bait collection easier and more sustainable than ever.
Benefits of using fishing traps:
Catch fresh, natural bait on-site
Save money on shop-bought bait
Reduce the need for bait storage or transport
Passive operation — set and retrieve later
Ideal for rivers, lakes, canals, and tidal waters
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Fishing Trap
Key Features to Look For
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Mesh Size & Material | Fine mesh retains small baitfish; rust-proof materials last longer |
| Entrance Design | Funnels or cone entrances make it easy for bait to enter, harder to escape |
| Size & Volume | Choose based on species targeted and session length |
| Collapsible/Folding Design | Makes traps easier to transport and store |
| Non-toxic, fish-safe build | Ensures legal and ethical bait collection |
| Escape Hole or Bycatch Release | Important for legal use under UK Environment Agency rules |
Types of Fishing Traps
| Trap Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Minnow Traps | Small baitfish for pike, zander, or perch fishing |
| Crayfish Traps | Collecting invasive signal crayfish (check legal status in your area) |
| Shrimp/Prawn Traps | Sea or estuary baiting for bass, flounder, or mullet |
| Folding Wire Traps | Compact and portable, ideal for quick setups |
| Box or Cage Traps | Durable, larger-volume traps for extended bait sessions |
Use Cases
Pike & Zander Livebait Fishing – Catch minnows and small roach for use as natural baits
Sea Fishing – Trap shrimp or small prawns from estuaries for bass, pollock, or flatfish
Crayfish Control – Catch and remove signal crayfish where permitted
General Bait Collection – Gather a range of natural baits from your local venue
Legal and Ethical Use in the UK
✅ Fishing traps must comply with Environment Agency regulations in England and Wales. This includes:
A valid trap registration number or tag
Escape holes for protected species like eels or voles
Use only in approved waters and with permission
Ethical use for bait, not for large-scale harvesting
Always check the latest local rules or speak with your local EA office before setting traps.
Expert Tips
Bait the trap with bread, cat food, fishmeal, or liver to attract baitfish and crustaceans
Set in shallow, slow-moving water near weed beds or structures
Secure with rope and float — never leave a trap unchecked for long periods
Place traps at dawn or dusk when baitfish are more active
For crayfish, freeze and dispose of humanely if invasive and caught legally
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using traps without the correct registration — this is illegal
❌ Setting in deep or fast-moving water — traps may drift or snag
❌ Leaving traps unattended for too long — can harm trapped bait
❌ Failing to include escape holes — a legal requirement in many areas
❌ Using non-fish-safe materials — can injure bait or break quickly
Bestselling Fishing Traps in Our Range
NGT Folding Minnow Trap – Compact and easy to use, ideal for rivers and canals
Tronixpro Shrimp/Prawn Trap – Saltwater-ready with durable plastic frame
Fladen Collapsible Bait Trap – Quick-folding with entrance cones and carry handles
Jarvis Walker Wire Cage Trap – Sturdy and large, ideal for extended baiting
Korda Urban Bait Trap – Discreet, lightweight trap for urban venues
Leeda Crayfish Trap – Legal in approved areas for crayfish control
Fishing Traps – FAQs
1. What are fishing traps used for?
Fishing traps are used to catch small baitfish, crustaceans, or crayfish for angling or bait purposes, especially in natural waters.
2. Are fishing traps legal in the UK?
Yes, but you must register the trap with the Environment Agency and follow rules on trap size, escape holes, and usage zones.
3. What’s the best bait for minnow or baitfish traps?
Bread, crushed pellets, cat food, liver, or fishmeal are effective and widely used.
4. How long should I leave a trap in the water?
A few hours is usually enough, but no longer than 12–24 hours. Always check traps regularly to avoid harming bait.
5. Can I catch crayfish with a fishing trap?
Yes, but only in areas where it’s permitted, and only invasive species (e.g. signal crayfish). Native species are protected.
6. Can I use traps in saltwater?
Yes — shrimp and prawn traps are widely used in estuaries and coastal waters. Ensure materials are saltwater-resistant.
7. Do traps work in canals or lakes?
Yes — traps are very effective in still or slow-moving waters, especially when placed near features like reeds or drop-offs.
8. Do I need to check my trap often?
Absolutely — check at least every few hours to release bycatch and prevent unnecessary stress to baitfish or crustaceans.
9. Are collapsible traps as effective as rigid ones?
Yes — many modern folding traps are compact but still highly effective when set correctly.
10. Can children use bait traps for crabbing or exploring?
Yes — under supervision, bait traps are a fun, educational way to explore local waterways. Make sure to follow local rules.
Final Thoughts
Fishing traps are a smart, efficient way to collect natural bait or manage invasive species while fishing responsibly. Whether you’re prepping for a big predator session, baiting up for a coastal adventure, or simply exploring a new venue, the right trap saves time, money, and hassle. With over 35 years of expertise, we offer a carefully curated range of legal, effective, and fish-friendly traps trusted by UK anglers of all levels.
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