Crab Trap Showdown

Captain Moose vs Captain Bruce

*I am going to start off by disclosing that I am neither affiliated nor sponsored by any of these two crab trap vendors. Anything written in this post is simply my unsolicited opinion from my own observation and experience with these products. 

In every industry in America there are iconic rivals that dominate the market. Pepsi vs Coke... Mac vs PC... Nikon vs Canon... I can go on and on. When it comes to crab traps, there are two manufacturers that stand out of the rest. Captain Moose and Captain Bruce are the most recommended traps that you will read about in blue crab forums. Sorry, Foxymate. 

Overview:

Captain Bruce is Maryland based company that sells a variety of crabbing supplies. Their "best" trap is the 10"x10" Rigged Vinyl SS Frame, Hardware. It sells for $16 bare and $21 fully rigged. And as the name describes: it comes fully rigged, the doors are vinyl covered, the frame and hardware are made of stainless steel. 

On the other hand, Captain Moose is a New Jersey based outfit that specializes on traps, trot lines and dip nets. Their top seller is the 10"x10" Moose Trap- Rigged RTC (Ready-To-Crab). It sells for $10 bare and $15 fully rigged. The frame and doors are galvanized. 

Advantage: Captain Bruce, I like the vinyl covered doors, worth the extra dollars. It does not scratch up my legs or kayak. 

Rigging and Float:

As mentioned, both traps being reviewed come fully rigged with floats. Captain Bruce uses 15+ feet of 1/4" solid braid nylon main line. It feels supple and nice on the hands when wet. Though, the braid feels loose and when cut it frays easily. Captain Moose uses 15+ feet of 3/16" nylon braided cord. It is stiffer and coils really nice when wet. When I am pulling on it, the rope pretty much coils itself. The braid feels tighter and knots seem to bite better with this rope. 

When it comes to the floats, it is a toss up. Captain Bruce's traps comes with an orange float which is fat and short. While Captain Moose's comes with a pool noodle type float reinforced with a PVC pipe. It can be custom ordered in a variety of colors of your choice. Both floats are visible from a distance. I never had an issue finding them. 

Advantage: Captain Moose, his main line coils up really nice. I also like the color options that he offers for his floats. 

Bait Holder:

Captain Bruce uses a spring to retain the bait in the trap. It is made of stainless steel and is pretty tough. It is also tough to insert and take off chicken necks using this system. I find Captain Moose's snood system to be easier to work with, especially when using slippery chicken necks. It also looks like it would be easier to replace, if needed, using small zip ties. The springs would need the use of hog ring pliers, if it has to be replaced. 

Advantage: Captain Moose, I like the simplicity of his snood system.

Details:

A closer look will show how these traps are put together. Take note that Captain Bruce solders his frame, while Captain Moose crimps a SS sleeve to make his connections. Since my traps are both fairly new, I do not have any data proving one connection is better than the other. That being said, I think that Captain Moose's crimp method of connection would be easier to fix in a pinch (no pun intended). Most people would have pliers with them to re-crimp the sleeve, than a soldering kit. 

Advantage: Captain Moose, easier to fix potential issues.

Bottom Line:

After several crabbing trips I found myself loving the traps that Captain Moose offer. It is no-nonsense, cheaper, and easy to use. Sure it lacks the bells and whistles that Captain Bruce have in his traps. But Captain Moose's design gained its advantage due to its simplicity. If you happen to loose one, you are only out $15 instead of $20. If it breaks, you can fix it with everyday tools. The main line might not feel so great on your hands, but it pretty much coils itself. 

Let me be clear, both traps catch crabs, period. Both traps are well-made and tough. Both traps are highly recommended by most experienced watermen. But from my observations and experience, Captain Moose is the guy I will be calling if I need to order more topless crab traps. Fuhgettaboutit!