Last Updated on September 10, 2026 by Daniel Globe
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A simple ring net can be easier to deploy than a bulky enclosed crab pot, but the size, rope length, bait setup, and included accessories still matter. The A1FISHER Double Ring Crab Trap, model A1-CN003M-KT-2, combines two 24-inch by 20-inch ring nets with 50-foot ropes, floats, bait bags, bait clips, and crab gauges. Its open double-ring design is best suited to crabbers who want a straightforward setup for docks, piers, jetties, boats, or kayaks. The main tradeoff is that the included rope and open-net design will not suit every depth, current, or style of crabbing.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 8/10
Best For: Recreational crabbers who want two ready-to-rig ring nets for docks, piers, boats, or kayaks.
Bottom Line: The A1FISHER kit gives you two galvanized double-ring traps plus the core baiting, measuring, rope, and float accessories needed for a basic setup. Its 50-foot rope and open ring-net format are practical for many situations, but buyers who need a longer line or an enclosed pot should compare alternatives.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | A1FISHER |
| Model | A1-CN003M-KT-2 |
| Product type | Double ring crab net kit |
| Package quantity | 2 crab traps |
| Upper ring | 24-inch wire ring |
| Bottom ring | 20-inch wire ring |
| Net depth | 15 inches |
| Construction | Hot-galvanized coated rings with polyethylene netting |
| Rope | Two 50-foot ropes with floats |
| Included accessories | 2 bait bags, 2 bait clips, 2 crab gauges, 2 ropes with floats |
| Target catch listed by manufacturer | Dungeness crab, blue crab, rock crab, and lobster |
| Suggested locations | Dock, pier, jetty, boat, and kayak |
What Is the A1FISHER Double Ring Crab Trap?
The A1FISHER Double Ring Crab Trap is an open ring-net system rather than a rigid enclosed crab pot. Each net uses a 24-inch upper wire ring, a 20-inch bottom ring, and 15 inches of net depth. When the net is resting on the bottom, bait draws crabs into the area. When you retrieve it, the raised sides of the net help contain the catch during the lift.
This particular listing is a 2-pack. You receive two traps, two bait bags, two bait clips, two crab gauges, and two 50-foot ropes with floats. That makes more sense for someone who wants to run two sets than for a buyer who only needs one small piece of replacement gear.
The rings use a hot-galvanized coating intended to improve corrosion resistance, while the net itself is polyethylene. An orange harness and float improve visibility so you can identify your gear more easily on the water.
Who Should Buy It?
Best For
- Crabbers who want two complete ring-net setups in one package.
- People crabbing from docks, piers, jetties, kayaks, or small boats where a simple ring net is convenient.
- Beginners who prefer a straightforward bait-bag and pull-rope setup rather than a more complex enclosed pot.
Skip If
- Your normal fishing depth or tie-off setup requires substantially more than the included 50 feet of rope.
- You specifically want an enclosed crab pot that can hold crabs inside between checks.
- Your local regulations require trap features, markings, escape openings, line configurations, or gear that this kit does not satisfy.
Before You Buy: The included rope is 50 feet long, but that does not automatically make every set up to 50 feet practical. You still need enough line for secure attachment, water movement, tide changes, and safe retrieval. Check your local crabbing rules before choosing your setup or keeping any catch.
Design and Build Quality
The basic dimensions are one of this trap’s clearest strengths. Each net uses a 24-inch upper ring over a 20-inch bottom ring, with the net extending 15 inches deep. This creates the tapered basket shape that gives a double-ring net its lifting function without requiring doors or a rigid cage.
A1FISHER describes the rings as hot-galvanized coated. That coating is intended to protect the metal from corrosion, which matters when gear is repeatedly exposed to saltwater. The netting is polyethylene, a material commonly selected for fishing gear because it can handle wet conditions without absorbing water like natural-fiber rope or netting.
The build is still simpler than a heavy enclosed pot. That can be an advantage when you value easier handling, but you should not expect an open ring net to behave exactly like a rigid trap that physically contains crabs after they enter.
Bait Bags and Bait Management
The kit includes two bait bags and two bait clips, one set for each trap. The bags are designed to open for bait replacement while keeping bait contained rather than leaving a loose piece of fish or chicken exposed on the net.
For practical use, secure the bait bag near the center of the lower area so crabs have a reason to move over the net rather than feeding from its outer edge. Fresh, oily bait such as fish or chicken is commonly used for crabbing where local rules allow it. Avoid overfilling the bag to the point that its closure cannot stay secure.
Pro Tip: Prepare and secure the bait bag before lowering the trap. A centered, firmly attached bait bag is easier to manage than trying to reposition loose bait after the net is already in the water.
Rope, Float, and Visibility
Each trap comes with a 50-foot rope and float. The orange harness and float are intended to make the gear easier to see, particularly when water conditions reduce visibility.
Rope length deserves more attention than it gets in many crab-trap listings. Your usable depth will depend on how much line is needed for securing the rope, current, tides, boat movement, and your chosen retrieval method. If your normal crabbing area requires more line, plan on using a suitable longer setup rather than treating the full 50 feet as guaranteed fishing depth.
Before lowering the net, inspect knots, clips, line condition, and the connection between the rope and harness. Losing a trap is more expensive and frustrating than spending an extra minute checking the rig.
How It Performs in Real Use
From a Dock or Pier
The ring-net format is a natural fit for vertical deployment from a dock or pier. You can bait the net, lower it to the bottom, keep the rope organized, and retrieve it without needing to cast a large rigid pot. The included 50-foot rope gives you flexibility for many shore-based setups, although the correct amount of line depends on the site.
From a Kayak or Small Boat
A1FISHER lists the trap for kayak and boat use as well as docks and piers. The relatively simple two-ring construction can be easier to handle than a bulky rigid trap, particularly when deck or storage room is limited. You still need to manage the rope carefully so loose line does not create a snag or entanglement hazard.
When Running Two Sets
The package includes two traps and duplicates the main accessories, so you can cover two legal locations or share a setup with another crabber where regulations permit. The two-pack is also more useful than a single trap if you want to compare different bait locations or bottom areas without repeatedly moving one net.
In Saltwater Conditions
The hot-galvanized coating is intended to improve corrosion resistance, and polyethylene netting is suited to repeated wet use. Even so, corrosion-resistant does not mean maintenance-free. Rinsing away salt and debris after use and allowing the gear to dry before storage can help you inspect the rings, rope, netting, and clips before the next trip.
How to Use It Correctly
- Inspect the trap first. Check the rings, netting, harness, bait clip, rope, and float for damage or loose connections.
- Check local regulations. Confirm the legal season, permitted gear, marking requirements, size limits, catch limits, and any rules for trap spacing or attendance.
- Load the bait bag. Add suitable bait and close the bag securely so the bait stays attached to the net.
- Attach the bait near the center. This encourages crabs to move onto the catching area rather than feeding outside it.
- Lower the trap in a controlled way. Avoid dumping loose rope into the water. Keep hands and feet clear of coils.
- Allow the trap to sit according to local conditions and technique. There is no single correct soak time for every species, tide, location, and current.
- Retrieve with a steady lift. A ring net depends on the sides rising around the catch, so a controlled upward pull is important.
- Measure the catch correctly. Use the included gauge only after confirming that its markings and measurement method match the regulations where you are crabbing.
Products Worth Considering
HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL: Made of strong nylon and steel wires, and has double steel ring to provide firm support, which is a perfect Fishing Net.
Compact & Collapsible Design for Easy Storage: Engineered for convenience – this crab ring trap collapses down to to a space-saving size, making it incredibly easy to store and transport in your gear bag, kayak, or car trunk.
Open-Top Fishing Net - Our cast nets for fishing has a large opening at the top, which allows more fish to enter the net and prevents them from escaping. It also makes it easier to lift the net and take out the fish.
Cleaning, Maintenance, and Storage
After use, rinse the rings, netting, rope, bait bag, clips, and gauge with fresh water, especially after saltwater trips. Remove bait residue before storing the trap so it does not create odor or attract pests.
Let the equipment dry before long-term storage. Check the polyethylene netting for cuts or abrasion, inspect the galvanized rings for damage, and look closely at knots, clips, harness connections, and rope sections that receive the most wear.
The bait bags deserve regular cleaning as well. Old bait residue can become difficult to remove once it dries, so cleaning them shortly after a trip is easier than leaving them packed with the rest of the gear.
Safety and Local Regulations
Crabbing regulations can vary significantly by state, province, season, waterway, and target species. A crab gauge included with a kit does not replace checking your local fish and wildlife rules. Confirm legal minimum sizes, measurement points, seasons, catch limits, buoy or identification requirements, and restrictions on the type of trap you can use.
Amazon’s current listing also displays a California Proposition 65 warning for this product. If that warning applies to you, review the product labeling and warning information before use.
When using the trap from a kayak, boat, dock, or pier, keep retrieval rope organized and away from feet, propellers, and other equipment. Wear appropriate personal safety gear for the location and conditions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Two complete 24-inch by 20-inch ring nets are included in one kit.
- Hot-galvanized ring construction is intended to improve corrosion resistance.
- Polyethylene netting is designed for repeated wet use.
- Includes two 50-foot ropes with floats, two bait bags, two bait clips, and two crab gauges.
- Manufacturer lists it for Dungeness, blue, and rock crab as well as lobster, with use from docks, piers, jetties, boats, and kayaks.
Cons
- The included 50-foot rope may be too short for some locations or depth-and-current combinations.
- An open ring net does not physically enclose the catch like a rigid crab pot.
- The included gauge and overall setup still need to be checked against your local crabbing regulations.
Is It Worth the Price?
The A1FISHER Double Ring Crab Trap is best viewed as a budget-minded bundle-value kit because the package gives you two traps and duplicates the main accessories instead of making you build each setup separately. You receive two ropes with floats, two bait bags, two bait clips, and two gauges along with the two ring nets.
It makes the most sense if you actually plan to use both traps or want a second setup available. If you need only one trap, a much longer rope, or a fully enclosed pot, the extra pieces in this bundle may not give you the same value.
Because online pricing and seller availability change, compare the current listing against the cost of buying the traps, ropes, gauges, and bait accessories separately before deciding.
Products Worth Considering
Complete Accessories: The crab pots for crabbing includes crab gauge, float, bait feeder, and gloves—ready to use out of the box
Complete Crab Fishing Kit: ready to Use: our all-in-one kit includes EVERYTHING you need for a successful crabbing adventure: 4 crab traps, 4 crab measurers, 4 bait bags, 4 clips, 4x 50ft ropes, and 1 large carry bag; Just add bait and you're ready to go
Complete Crab Trap Set: This set includes 2 double‑ring crab traps (11″ top ring, 8″ bottom ring, 10″ deep), 4 bait bags, 2 Built‑in weight, 1 crab gauge measures, and 2 ropes 30′ each). Everything you need to start crabbing right out of the box – from dock, pier, jetty, boat, or kayak.
How It Compares to Alternatives
The VEVOR Double Ring Crab Trap is a close alternative with a similar 24-inch top and 20-inch bottom ring format, but its current kit is listed with a 60-foot rope. That extra line can matter if the A1FISHER kit’s 50-foot ropes are close to your minimum requirement.
If you prefer an enclosed format, the A1FISHER Pacific Folding Crab Trap is a different style of option, using a 24 x 24 x 12-inch folding pot design rather than an open double-ring net. The A1FISHER Double Ring kit reviewed here makes more sense when simplicity, vertical retrieval, and having two complete ring-net setups are your priorities.
Products Worth Considering
Package included: Double ring crab trap*2 (24'' wire upper ring, 20'' wire bottom ring and 15in deep), bait bag *2, bait clip *2, crab gauge measure *2, 50' rope with float*2.
Quality Material: our sinking line made of good toughness pp and features an internal lead core, it's naturally resistant to seawater corrosion and UV aging, ensuring no risk of brittleness even after prolonged underwater immersion, its lightweight design balances strength and flexibility, resisting mold and mildew in humid environments, significantly extending its lifespan and reducing frequent replacement costs
Aqwxc Crab Nets Features a wire grid bottom ring for easy bait attachment and improved crab retrieval and removal. The 2 Small Crab Net enables effortless retrieva by beginner for crabbing blue crabs & crawfish. 13" diameter ring net can be folded flat, compact for storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes with the A1FISHER Double Ring Crab Trap kit?
The listing includes two double-ring crab traps, two bait bags, two bait clips, two crab gauges, and two 50-foot ropes with floats. Each trap has a 24-inch upper ring, a 20-inch bottom ring, and a 15-inch net depth.
How deep can you use this crab trap?
Each included rope is 50 feet long, but the practical fishing depth will be less than the total rope length in many situations because you need line for attachment, current, tide changes, and retrieval. Choose your line length for the specific water and conditions rather than relying on a fixed depth recommendation.
What crab species is the trap designed for?
A1FISHER lists the double-ring net for Dungeness crab, blue crab, and rock crab, as well as lobster. You still need to confirm that this trap style and its dimensions are legal for your target species and location.
Can you use it in saltwater?
The trap uses hot-galvanized coated rings and polyethylene netting, making it suitable for typical marine crabbing use. Rinse the equipment with fresh water after saltwater trips and let it dry before storage so you can spot wear or corrosion early.
How should you bait the ring net?
Place suitable bait inside the included bait bag, close it securely, and attach it near the center of the lower part of the net. Fresh fish or chicken are common choices where permitted, but local bait rules should always take priority.
Does the included crab gauge guarantee a legal catch?
No. Size limits and measurement methods vary by species and location. Confirm the current rules from your local fish and wildlife authority and make sure the gauge markings match the legal measurement you need before keeping a crab.
Who should choose an enclosed crab pot instead?
An enclosed pot may suit you better if you want a rigid trap that physically contains crabs after they enter or if your fishing method involves longer unattended soaks where legal. The A1FISHER ring net is better suited to a simpler lower-and-retrieve approach.
The Bottom Line
The A1FISHER Double Ring Crab Trap is a practical choice if you want two straightforward ring-net setups with verified 24-inch upper rings, 20-inch bottom rings, 15-inch depth, bait accessories, gauges, and 50-foot ropes. Its strongest advantage is the complete 2-pack format, while its main limitation is that the rope length and open-ring design will not fit every crabbing location or technique.
Buy it if those dimensions and accessories match how and where you crab. Skip it or compare a longer-line or enclosed-pot alternative if your local conditions demand a different setup.
