Crab Snares

A crab snare is a small bait cage ringed with self-opening loops that you cast with an ordinary fishing rod. Crabs climb on to reach the bait, and when you reel in steady the loops tighten around their legs. No boat, no pots, no ring net: just your rod, some bait, and a pier, jetty or beach.

AirFly 6-loop castable crab snares were designed on the docks of San Francisco Bay in 2019. They are built for Dungeness crab and red rock crab on the West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington) and also catch blue crab back East. Every snare uses a lead-free, vinyl-coated weight that holds bottom in tide and surf. Patent pending.

Which crab snare should I buy?

  • Crab Snare Kit (2, 3 or 4 pack): the best value. Comes with a crab gauge, casting glove and replacement loops, so it is ready to fish out of the box.
  • Single 6-loop crab snare: a spare, or a first snare to try crabbing from a pier.
  • Heavy Surf 3-pack: for beaches and jetties with strong surf and current.
  • Pro castable snare: our newest design, with an optional 3 oz sinker for deeper water.

Crab snare FAQ

What rod do I need for a crab snare?
An 8 to 10 ft rod rated for 10+ lb, a size 6000 or larger reel, and 50 lb braided line.

Are crab snares legal?
Snares are legal for sport crabbing in California (up to 6 loops), Oregon and Washington, but seasons, size and bag limits differ by state and area. Always check your local fishing regulations before you go.

What is the best bait for crab snaring?
Anything oily and smelly: mackerel, sardine, salmon carcass, squid or chicken. A mix works best.

Where can I go crab snaring?
See our free maps of piers, jetties and beaches: Bay Area & Northern California crab snaring spots, Oregon crabbing docks and Washington crabbing piers.

How do I use a crab snare?
Read our step-by-step Crab Snare Guide: bait the cage, cast, wait 5 to 10 minutes, then reel in slow and steady with the line tight.