Commercial fishermen use these rigid traps, traditionally made of wicker but frequently constructed of wire mesh and synthetic netting, to capture lobsters, crabs, and bottom-dwelling fish. The trap features a funnel entrance that allows target species to enter for bait but prevents their escape. Crews set them in strings along the seabed marked by surface buoys.
Heard on the job
Haul the next string of creels and stack them on the starboard side so we can clear the deck.
Insider tip
Traditional wicker creels required constant soaking to prevent the wood from shrinking and splitting.
Also heard as
- pot
- trap