How do I make it easier to get the crabs out?
· This can be an issue if there are lots of crabs in the trap. If you are willing to trade aesthetics for functionality, the easy solution is to make the top so it opens up. Buy 68" of 1/8" braided line, 1 large Acetyl Plastic Cord Lock ($.95) and a plastic hook ($.75) at a hardware store. Remove the ss ring from the center of the net (padded vice and hacksaw suggested) and thread the line through net as shown below. Add cord lock and hook and you have it. When the line is cinched, take the tail and loop it out around the top hoop and back to the center.

How do I use the net tensioning rings?
· Having the netting a bit loose allows for the trap to be easily folded. After some water exposure, the netting will further relax. This is to be expected even though the netting is 100% nylon. The trap will work fine but some people prefer to gather the relaxed netting by tying a line around the stainless steel tension ring in the center of the top and bottom net. Tighten the line until the desired net tension is obtained and tie a knot.

How can I prevent any possibility of the crabs escaping?
· The gates on the trap are set up to allow quick and easy ingress for the crabs. If left for considerable time the crabs may try to escape by circling the perimeter of the trap and may inadvertently open the gate. The addition of 'Preventer Lines' curtails this action. You tie a piece of cord or monofilament (fishing line) on a diagonal beside each side of the gates, 6 spots in total (see diagram). Tie one end three inches up in the side panel mesh to three inches across the bottom of the mesh. Late model traps have these lines installed at the factory.

How can I prevent the gates from opening in a current or if the seabed is not flat?
· The gates on the trap are much heavier than most and should stay down. However, if for some reason you feel that more tension is required it can be done by placing an elastic band on the gates hinges as illustrated in the picture below. Elastics are less than a cent and should be replaced every time if you feel they are required.

My trap is leaning to one side. How do I straighten it?
· The trap is manufactured so that it is aligned when it is first assembled. However,over time the bungees may creep along the wire rope causing the trap to appear 'wonky'.
To straighten it you must first assemble the trap. Make sure that the netting mesh is not caught up at the top or bottom of a frame. The crimped stainless steel ferrels on the wire ropes should be centered in the middle of a frame. If not, slide the wire rope through the netting until they are. Readjust the bungees to snug against the hangers. On a strip of thin cardboard measure out 23 5/8". This is the distance between the frames (hanger to hanger).Use this template to reposition the frames on the top and bottom hoops if necessary. The three side panels of netting should have the same taughtness.

On later model traps there are 3 yellow markings on each of the wire ropes. Align the right side of each frame to these marks and the trap should stand up straight.

How do I stop my trap from being "lifted" when I leave it overnight.
· There are either crabs in the area or there aren't. The Flex Fold Trap fishes very quickly as the three gates offer easy access once the crab has reached the perimeter. If there are any crabs down there, and if you have put in lots of fresh salmon heads, you'll have them inside in a couple of hours... max. This means you don't have to leave it out overnight (to be stolen).

Should I weight the trap?
· The majority of traps that are supposed stolen have actually succumbed to the current. Make sure you add enough lead sand weights to prevent this. Your local bait & tackle shop can advise you on the required amount for the area. A four plus pound lead cannon ball clipped to the lower hoop will suffice if you can not locate sand anchors.
· Don't bother with rocks as they are near weightless underwater.

What is the best bait?
· Good question! I have been told everything from road kill deer (a favourite in north-coast California because the seal-lions don't like it but the crabs do) to turkey backs, cat food, salmon heads to none at all. Crabs are scavengers and will eat just about anything. They do, however, prefer things that don't eat them and things that are fresh. Also, the more bait the better.
· Willapa makes a nice envelope bait container that lies flat in the bag with the stowed trap. When you place it in the trap make sure it is in the center. It will confuse the crab if its close to the perimeter.

Where do I check the crabbing regulations?

Here are a few websites for West Coast fisheries:

British Columbia - http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/recreational.html
Washington - http://wdfw.wa.gov/
Oregon - http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/
California - http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/fishing_map.html

Do you make a Prawn Trap?
· We are presently working on a prawn trap. I should have a prototype by June,2007.
· We'll post the details on the website as soon as we have them in stock.

How do I care for my Flex Fold Trap?
· Wash trap down with fresh water when possible. This will help to minimize the odour.
It will also prevent mud from packing in the cable strands causing corrosion as stainless steel needs oxygen to remain corrosion free.
· Store it in the carrying bag, it will be happier in its home.

Helpful collapsing tip
· When twisting the trap into a figure 8, make the loop with the single frame smaller than the other. (Use the red/yellow cable ties as reference points to attach the cinch strap). This will allow for one loop to nest inside the other when you close it like a clamshell making it easier to fold the frames on top. The top being arbitrarily the side on to which the frames most easily fold. The side they most easily fold onto is when the frame is on the top of the hinge loop. See picture below.