Fold-flat traps that snap shut when crabs enter. Simple, effective gear from Ocean City docks and skiffs.
| Best for | Piers and small boats around OC bays |
|---|---|
| Skill level | Beginner–intermediate |
| Key habit | Lift crisply; measure at the rail |
| Etiquette | Space floats—do not steal a neighbor’s soak |
Bait the center, lower to the bottom, and wait. When crabs enter for the bait, the trap closes as you lift. Ring-style and pyramid collapsibles both show up on Ocean City rails—read the manufacturer’s fold/unfold so you are not fighting the gear in a crowd.
| Access | Tips |
|---|---|
| Public pier | Mark your line; keep the walkway clear; check often so traps do not tangle neighbors |
| Small boat | Set a short string of floats, cruise between them, and stay off commercial pot fields |
Trip reads written for this hub—pacing and advice, not a second directory.
