Prawn trap conundrum. Feedback much appreciated.

[Macdeep]

Those collapsible laundry baskets are a great idea. I use those milk crates - most of the rope fits but its a mess.

Lots of 18" square traps on Fbook - I assume most square traps are about the same design and there's no need to overcomplicate it

 

[Squire]

This is what I did... lids zap strapped to the bottom. I turn the traps over and reach up through the main hatch and twist the bait cup on from below, rather than lowering it from the top. Almost zero spilling of stinky prawn bait this way. For trap weights, I went to Crappy Tire and bought neoprene dumbells in the 1-2 lb sizes, and zap strapped those in too. Dirt cheap.

I did the same except I used heavy galvanized wire to secure the lids to the bottom center of the traps and I twist in the full bait cup with the trap on its side and don’t have much issue with spillage. I zap-strapped a piece of drill steel to the bottom for weight so I don’t know why I didn’t think of that for the bait jar lid lol
I use soft rubber/plastic household baskets I found at Homesense and Walmart to coil ropes. I also had to drill holes in the bottom for drainage but the open mesh sides help let the ropes dry as well.

 

[SpringVelocity]

I think I remember you posting this. In fact this is why I wanted feedback with respects to am I actually accomplishing any room by going this route

Yeah I am going screw around with this a bit today and maybe post a pic....

 

[Squire]

I made my own square traps out of galvanized rabbit cage bottom wire mesh with big bait container built in for support in the center 20 years ago I wraps thin rope around sharp pokey edges and they are smaller like 18 inch they fish good I like 2 hour soak no problem getting limits and they have held up perfectly they sell that stuff in 18 inch widths. Fun to make a rewarding.

Would love to see a pic of your homemade traps.