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. 

Finally, Caught Some Keepers

All photos taken by Seamus Talinao

Last night after reading some good reports from bluecrab.info, I loaded up the kayak for an early trip today. 

It turned out to be a beautiful morning. My son and I got out there at around 7:30 am. I was suppose to crab and his job was to take pictures and notes to document the trip. The marina was busy, but we did not have any issues getting in the water. Unloading the kayak from the car and loading all the gear on the kayak is starting to become routine, which is nice.

The water temperature was about 62 degrees. The tide was rolling towards the Bay and it was a chore paddling up the creek. I feel more confident maneuvering the kayak around now. Before I felt clumsy and all over the place, but of late my strokes feel more fluid and deliberate. I also noticed that I am not getting as wet anymore like before, which is very nice.

Headed up creek

Crab Traps Came In Today

But I have to mail it back...

After waiting for a couple weeks, my crab traps finally arrived via UPS. These are the ones that I ordered from Captain Bruce. Wow, they do look good. Captain Bruce's traps are way better than Foxymate or any other brand traps I have seen around. These babies are handmade and built tough. The rigging he uses are thick and easy on the hands. I am very happy with them.

Caveat: He sent me the wrong size traps. I ordered the 10.5"x10.5" which fits perfect inside a milk crate. He actually sent me the Bigfoot 12x12 model. Arrgghh!!! I called him immediately after realizing the issue and Captain Bruce told me that he will mail me the correct size traps with postage for the wrong ones. Hey, I don't mind it when companies make mistakes (**it happens), it's how they fix it which matters.

OK, I am still waiting on Captain Moose's crab traps. As soon as I get both, I will do a side by side comparison/ review. So, stay tuned.

Update: The correct 10.5"x10.5" traps came in the next day. They fit perfectly in an old milk crate.