Gaucho

I was curious on what an eel trap looked like and maybe build one.
Has anyone made one?

Bob & Mag

In short, it's a long cylindrical cage with a funnel at one end and a door at the other. On the end of the funnel a mess tube runs to approx 2" from the other end. This makes it difficult for the eels to find their way out, especially when it gets crowded. I've caught as many as 3 1/2 dozen in a single trap over night.
Don't use minnow type bait traps as I've watched eels get out of them as easily as they get in.
I bought some 1/2" plastic mesh (comes in 3' x 25' rolls at hd) and made it with that around some 1/8" aluminum hoops, for the ends, that a I bent and riveted. Have same traps now for over 10 years and no signs of falling apart yet. I do tie-rap one or two 20oz sinkers inside, depending on current, to get it to hold bottom. Then attach a line and throw in a bunker or three and you're all set.

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Smoke free 4 Months!

Gaucho

What if I take a minnow trap and close on end of it but keep on end open but attach something like a sock inside of it so the eels go in but can find the opening to come back out.

The only reason I havent tried this is because i think the minnow trap might be too small...

What you think?

Bob & Mag

They are kind of short and if the eel doesn't enter all the way, it can back out very easily.

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ChuckA

I have one in the yard but the rear door is missing . I got snagged on it last year .where you from you can have it or I'll take a pic for you.

Gaucho

Thanks Chuck!!
Nice offer!!!
I'm too far (south shore Jones Inlet) Thanks anyway.

I went to HD and couldnt find the plastic mesh. I asked around but you know how that works

What area is it in? I was in gardening and noticed the hardwire black mesh but at 3'x25' @ $20...I think it would make more sense to buy one.

Check this trap out....what you think about this?

$17.95 before s&h. I think a mesh need to be tied on the inside of the funnel so the eels don't find there way back out.

Bob & Mag

I found the 1/2" mesh in the garden dept. Had to ask but 1st find someone who cared.
It cost me approx. $11. to make two traps.
Save your money on the above minnow trap as I tried those 1st as we had a bunch of them and the eels go in/out without any trouble at all.
You'd need a tube attached to the funnel that goes almost all the way to the other side. Then close off the other side(pinch it closed would be fine).
I'll see if I've got any pix around of mine.
Also check local tackle shops as they might have some traps.
If they have the square(rectangle actually) I've heard for some reason the eels shy away from that shape but have no experience with them.

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Due to recent budget cuts and the rising cost of food, electricity, gas, and oil, the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off.

Smoke free 4 Months!

JayR

Please post pics and instructions! I need to make a few traps NOW!!!!!

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I really don't care what you have to say about me, just as long as you mention my name

Bob & Mag

Start.....I'll add pictures asap.......

Eel pot -

Materials -
• 1/2 " plastic (hardware cloth) not the metal type.
This is found in home centers in a roll 3' x 15'
• Some plastic wire ties (ty-wraps) (found at hardware or home center)
• 1/8" x 1" x 3' aluminum strips (found at hardware or home center)
• 1/4" pop-rivets or bolts (optional)

Tools -
Wire cutter or scissors.
drill
pop-rivet tool (optional)

Take two of your aluminum strips and form circles, the desired diameter.
I think I just bent mine around a 3 lb coffee can.
Leave a few inches extra to overlap the ends and drill holes to pop-rivet or bolt
the hoops closed.
Now take your roll of plastic mesh and cut a piece, which will form the body
of your trap, and wrap it around the frame you constructed. attach it to the hoops with ty-wraps(wire-ties).

Check state regulations for size of finished trap.

__________________
Due to recent budget cuts and the rising cost of food, electricity, gas, and oil, the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off.

Smoke free 4 Months!

Bob & Mag

Some pix....and drawings........



























Ask questions and I'll try to answer them on what/how etc.
These pictures are of a 10 year old pot.
Not sure if you can see the tube on the end of the funnel but it runs to within 1 1/2" - 2" of the door end. This ensures most if not all eels won't find their way out (without breadcrumbs)
It took about an hour to make this trap and I made two for approx. $11. but that was 10 years ago. Your mileage may vary.

__________________
Due to recent budget cuts and the rising cost of food, electricity, gas, and oil, the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off.

Smoke free 4 Months!