How many times can you replace a cheap crab pot before admitting it wasn’t a bargain? I’ve used plenty of different crab pot types over the years, and price is only part of the story. I want a pot that holds up to use, packs away easily and with well made firm funnels that prevent crabs escaping.
Here’s how the different types of crab pots compare, what I look for before buying one and which options suit different boats and storage needs. For the setup and baiting demonstration, watch my video below.
How do crab pots work?
Crab pots use bait to attract crabs through funnel entrances. Those funnels should make it easy for mud crabs to enter and difficult for them to get back out.
One thing I check is whether a crab can reach the bait without entering the pot. If it can feed from the funnel entrance or underneath the pot, I could be handing out a free meal without catching anything.
Open dilly pots (also called dilly nets) work differently. Crabs can come and go, so I need to check them regularly and lift the net while they’re feeding.
Different types of crab pots: which should you choose?
Round collapsible crab pots
Round collapsible pots fold flat, making them practical when you’re carrying several pots or have limited boat space. Once opened, supports hold the frame upright and the funnels provide entry points around the sides.
A heavy-duty collapsible is my preferred all-round option for mud crabbing. Just remember that two similar-looking pots can be very different in frame strength, mesh quality and funnel design.
Opera-house collapsible pots
Opera-house pots are another collapsible design. The one I demonstrate in the video further down below is quick to open: give it a shake and it deploys, rather than having to engage the individual supports on the round pot. That’s handy when I’m getting several pots ready.
As with any collapsible, I still check the frame, mesh and funnels. Opening quickly is useful, but it’s only one part of choosing a decent pot.
Rigid wire crab pots
Rigid wire pots have their uses, particularly where sharks regularly damage mesh pots. They’re also an option if you enjoy making your own gear.
The drawback is bulk. They don’t fold flat, take up room and can scratch your boat. I used them more in the old days, but generally prefer collapsibles for storage and convenience.
Dilly nets
Dillies suit a more hands-on session, where you stay nearby and check them frequently. They can be a fun way to keep the kids involved because you’re actively working the gear.
Check which types of crabbing gear are permitted where you fish before choosing yours.
What makes the best crab pots for recreational crabbing?
For recreational mud crabbing, these are the features I look for and why they matter.
- A strong, suitably heavy frame
I want enough weight to help the pot stay put. Some pots people reckon have been pinched may actually have been dragged away by the current. Those lost pots can keep trapping crabs as what we call “ghost pots”. A sturdy frame helps, but I still need to consider where I’m setting it and how much current it will cop. - Durable mesh
Thin mesh is more easily torn, leaving you repairing it or replacing the pot. Check the mesh and its attachment points: damage can give crabs an escape route. - Firm, well-positioned funnels
Entrances need to hold their shape, with enough separation from the bait that crabs have to enter properly to feed. Loose or broken funnel cords can also make getting back out easier. - A secure, accessible bait holder
You want something straightforward to load and close, which keeps the bait where it belongs. Bait that crabs can reach from outside defeats the purpose. - A size you can handle and store
A larger pot isn’t automatically the right choice. Think about lifting it, carrying several aboard and how much room they take up when packed away.
A cheap pot can catch crabs. But if you keep patching, losing or replacing it, the savings soon disappear. As I always like to say, “the poor man pays twice”.
Crab pot setup: watch the demonstration
Knowing how to use a crab pot properly matters just as much as choosing one.
In the video below, I demonstrate crab pot setup across the different designs, including opening collapsibles, positioning bait, attaching ropes and checking the funnels.
Have your own pots nearby and check them as you watch.
Which crab pot suits your needs?
For me, the best crab pots for recreational crabbing need to be well built and practical to carry, set and store. That’s why I use the Ultimate Pro collapsibles we stock in our shop. Designed by a pro crabber, each model is heavy duty with fully welded rings and made to last with self-retracting legs making erection easy.
Ultimate Traveler 650: compact storage
The Ultimate Traveler 650 is the one I like for our small tender. The four-funnel model measures 65 cm across, folds flat and has a built-in bait bag. There is also a stainless model for travellers wanting to avoid rust stains.
Aussie Gold 800: an all-round option
The Aussie Gold 800 sits between the compact 650 and larger 900. Most popular with recreational anglers, it comes with three- and four-funnel versions, with wider entrances and more internal space in the three-funnel design. Both have an escape opening for undersized mud crabs.
Weld Pro 900: a larger pot
The Weld Pro 900 has a 90 cm frame and is pot of choice for most professional crabbers. Three- and four-funnel versions are available, with wider entrances on the three-funnel model. Both include self-retracting legs, a built-in bait bag and an undersize-crab escape opening.
Choose the size that suits your boat and check the specific model’s features in our shop. I’d rather spend my time catching crabs than patching pots.
Win a four-pack in our Muddie Buddy Comp
Got a mud crabbing moment worth showing off? I’ve teamed up with Ultimate Pro Crab Pots to give away a four-pack of three-funnel Aussie Gold 800 pots, valued at $349 AUD.
Here’s how to enter:
- Post your best mud crab adventure photo or Reel to your own public feed.
- Tag either @ryan_moody_fishing on instagram or Ryan Moody Fishing on facebook in the photo itself, not just the caption, and add #MuddieBuddy.
Only legal mud crab catches are eligible. Use your own photo or video and make sure anyone pictured agrees to it being used. By entering, you give Ryan Moody Fishing permission to use, edit and share your entry in social posts and paid ads, credited to your handle.
This is Ryan’s Pick: I’ll choose my favourite eligible mud crabbing moment, whether it’s in the pot, on the boat or in your hands.
Entries open 11 November and close 18 November 2026. We’ll announce the winner by email on 19 November. Full terms and conditions apply.
