Easy DIY Fish Trap

Fish traps are used to catch a variety of aquatic species throughout the world, including shrimp and lobster from oceans and catfish from lakes and streams. The basic trap is generally composed of wire or mesh with a funneled opening so fish can swim in but can't swim out. While a fish trap can be built easily and with little cost, it's important to only trap fish in areas where it's legal to do so. Some states completely outlaw the practice, while others might allow trapping in some waters but not in others. Check with your local fish and wildlife agency before using a fish trap, but if it's legal to use them, traps are very easy to make.

Decide on the dimensions of your trap. The size of the trap will vary depending on the fish you hope to catch and the waters you plan to trap them in. Minnows or pan fish for bait can be caught in a trap 12 inches (30.5 cm) by 24 inches (61.0 cm), while large catfish, carp and suckers require a much larger trap. You also want to be sure your trap is not taller than the depth of the water if you plan to use it in shallow areas.

Cut 12 pieces of lumber to build a box frame. You will need four pieces the length of your intended box, four pieces of your intended height and four of your intended width. For example, a trap that is 12 inches (30.5 cm) tall, 24 inches (61.0 cm) wide and 48 inches (121.9 cm) long would require four 12-inch pieces of lumber, four 24-inch pieces and four 48-inch pieces. Larger or smaller traps would require the same amount of longer or shorter lumber pieces, respectively.

Cut another piece of wire fabric for one end of the box. The piece would be a 12 X 24 inches rectangle in this example. Secure the sheet in place with the same ties or wire you seamed the box in the previous step. A larger or smaller trap will require wire fabric equal to its width by its height.

Form a funnel to place at the other end of the box. Use the same type of wire mesh. The larger funnel opening should be large enough to attach it to the slats of your box, tapering down to leave an opening facing the inside of the box that is just large enough for your target fish to swim into the trap, but not escape.

Bait the trap. Place an "onion bag", or mesh fruit bag, filled with your bait into the trap, along with a large stone or piece of brick to weight the trap down. Common bait used for catfish is chicken liver, corn or even dog food. Other fish species should be baited with food they find most attractive.

Secure the funnel. Instead of using zip ties, use wire that can be untied later to release or remove your catch, then retied for future use.

Place the trap. Take the whole apparatus, including the bait inside, to the fishing hole you plan to place it. Then simply drop the trap in the water in your chosen location. Secure the other end of the rope on the bank.

Periodically check the trap. Pull the trap in slowly when you decide to check it, keeping in mind you never know what will be inside it. At the least, check the trap daily to make sure no turtles, otters or other predators have discovered it and either damaged it or gotten trapped inside.