I am in West Palm Beach and we want to buy two crab tracks and a hoop net. Do you know of any good fishing equipment places nearby?

Here are some good fishing / tackle shops around West Palm Beach that might carry crab traps (crab pots) and hoop nets — plus some online gear in case you want to order. I can also map which ones are closest to you if that helps.

🎣 Local Shops Near West Palm Beach

🛒 Online / Catalog Options

If the local stores don’t have what you want, here are some good product picks (crab traps & hoop nets) you can order. I’ve included a few so you can compare sizes/prices. If you tell me your budget, I can narrow further.

Promar Ambush Hoop Net 32‑in$74.99•Bass Pro Shops + others

Lee Fisher Wire Crab Trap$84.99•DICK'S Sporting Goods + others

Promar Deluxe Hoop Net$49.99•Bass Pro Shops + others

Ed Cumings Aluminum Crab Net$48.99•West Marine + others

Marathon 5’ Wood‑Handle Crab Net$12.99•DICK'S Sporting Goods

Danco Crab Trap Float & Flag Set$39.99•West Marine

Promar Ambush XL Hoop Net$89.99•Bass Pro Shops + others

Sea Striker Family Crabbing Kit$17.99•Kohr Crabbing Supplies + others

Here are some of the options:

• Promar Ambush Hoop Net 32‑in — Big commercial-style hoop net; lots of catch volume.
• Lee Fisher Wire Crab Trap — Wire trap; sturdy and classic.
• Promar Deluxe Hoop Net — A more deluxe version of a hoop net.
• Ed Cumings Aluminum Crab Net — Lighter scooping-net style, good if you’ll pull up crabs rather than trap them.
• Marathon 5’ Wood‑Handle Crab Net — Long handle; good reach from dock or boat.
• Danco Crab Trap Float & Flag Set — Just the float/flag; helpful accessory.
• Promar Ambush XL Hoop Net — Larger version for bigger catches.
• Sea Striker Family Crabbing Kit — Smaller-scale, family kit; useful if you want something immediate.

If you tell me which part of West Palm Beach you’re closest to (e.g., near the beach, inland, northern/southern side) and your price range, I can pick the best local store and gear options for you. Want me to map that out?

Who makes the best hoop net?

For crabbing, there are a few well-respected hoop net makers that most anglers and crabbers recommend. Each has slightly different strengths depending on whether you’re fishing from shore, pier, or boat.

🥇 Top Hoop Net Brands

• Promar – Probably the most popular and widely trusted. Their Ambush and Deluxe hoop nets are known for being sturdy, having large openings, and lasting many seasons. Commercial crabbers in California and the Gulf Coast use these a lot.
• Danielson – A long-standing brand that makes affordable, reliable hoop nets. They’re simpler and usually a bit cheaper than Promar, but still good quality.
• Lee Fisher – Based in Florida. They’re a traditional fishing gear company and make strong wire traps and hoop nets, popular with locals.
• Ed Cumings – Makes aluminum-frame hoop nets and telescoping crab nets. Lighter weight, easier to handle, especially from a dock or seawall.

👍 General Rule

• Best Overall Quality & Durability: Promar (heavier duty, used by pros).
• Best Budget Choice: Danielson.
• Best Local Florida Option: Lee Fisher (since they’re a Florida company, easier to find in bait shops near you).
• Best Lightweight Net: Ed Cumings (good if you want something easier to lift).

Do you want me to focus on heavy-duty hoop nets (for leaving in the water and hauling lots of crabs) or lighter scoop-style nets (for grabbing crabs one at a time off a pier or seawall)?

Can you show me some pictures of these and maybe some online places where we can order them?Image created

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Here are some places online where you can order these hoop nets:

• Promar Ambush / Deluxe Hoop Nets → Bass Pro Shops
• Danielson Hoop Nets → Amazon
• Lee Fisher Nets → Lee Fisher Fishing Supply (Florida-based)
• Ed Cumings Aluminum Crab Net → West Marine

Would you like me to pick the closest local shop to you in West Palm Beach that carries one of these brands, so you can buy in person today?

Which local shops near West Palm Beach carry these

Here are some local shops near West Palm Beach that likely carry or can order Promar, Lee Fisher, or equivalent hoop nets — plus some online options with good stock. I wasn’t able to confirm definitely that every one has exactly those nets in the store right now, so I recommend calling ahead.

📍 Local Shops & Dealers

🛒 Online (ready to order) Selections

Here are some hoop / landing nets / large nets you can order now while you check local inventory. Some are full hoop nets, others more scoop/landing, depending on what you need.

Promar Ambush Hoop Net (32‑in, heavy‑duty)$74.99•Bass Pro Shops + others

Promar Deluxe Hoop Net$69.99•Bass Pro Shops + others

Frabill Sportsman Landing Net 36‑in Handle$24.99•Tackle Barn + others

Dotline Aluminum Hoop & Handle Landing Net$32.99•West Marine

Catfish Mini‑Hoop Net 20‑23‑in$90.91•Memphis Net & Twine

Frabill Landing Poly Net 17‑x‑19‑in Hoop$18.46•Walmart + others

Catfish Trap Hoop Net 19‑x‑48‑in$156.00•Nets & More

The BallyHoop Flex Collapsible Hoop Net$359.99•The BallyHoop + others

Here are a few highlights:

• Promar Ambush Hoop Net (32‑in, heavy‑duty) — very robust, good for big catches; similar to what commercial hoop -- heavy frame, large base.
• Promar Deluxe Hoop Net — a bit lighter, still good quality.
• Frabill Sportsman Landing Net 36‑in Handle — more of a scoop/landing style, good if you want a net you can use from dock or pier.

If you want, I can try to find real-time inventory at Fisherman’s Center or West Marine to see if the Promar Ambush is in stock that you could pick up today. Do you want me to check that for you?

Can you recommend the best type of crab trap for using off a pier…

Great question 👍 — the best crab trap for pier use is usually different than what you’d drop from a boat, because you need something that:

• Drops straight down without drifting too much.
• Is easy to pull up vertically.
• Doesn’t require too much space to set or retrieve.
• Works quickly since you’re not leaving it in all day like offshore traps.

🥇 Best Types of Crab Traps for Piers

1. Hoop Nets (2-Ring or 3-Ring)

• How they work: You bait the middle, lower it straight down, then pull it up after 10–20 minutes. Crabs crawl in for bait, and when you haul it up the hoops close enough to keep them in.
• Why good for piers: Easy to use, lightweight, inexpensive, and you can check them often. Great for Florida blue crabs.
• Best brands: Promar Ambush, Danielson, Lee Fisher (local).

2. Open-Top Pyramid/Folding Traps

• How they work: Fold flat to drop, then spring up like a pyramid when pulled.
• Why good for piers: They collapse for storage and are easier to handle than bulky pots. Pull-up motion traps crabs inside.
• Downside: Not as durable as wire pots.

3. Small Wire Box Traps with Drop Doors

• How they work: Bait goes inside, doors stay open on the bottom. When lifted, doors close and trap the crabs.
• Why good for piers: You can leave them down longer than hoop nets. They’re sturdier, so you don’t have to check constantly.
• Caution: Heavier to haul up; not as quick-check friendly.

❌ Less Ideal for Piers

• Large full crab pots (like commercial ones): Too heavy, hard to manage from a pier.
• Hand scoop nets only: Fun for grabbing crabs off pilings, but not efficient if you want more than a few.

⭐ My Recommendation for West Palm Beach

Since you’ll be crabbing from a pier:

• Get a couple of hoop nets (Promar or Lee Fisher). Easy to bait, drop, and check.
• If you want a sturdier backup, also consider one small wire box trap with drop doors. That way you can leave it down longer while you check the hoop nets.

👉 Do you want me to pick out two specific models (with prices & links) that would work perfectly for pier crabbing in Florida?

Are there any regulations for state of Florida on types of crab traps?

Yes — Florida has a number of rules for crab traps. If you’re going to use a trap off a pier (or anywhere in Florida waters), you’ll want to make sure your gear meets the state requirements. Here are some of the key regulations, especially for blue crabs, plus things to watch out for.

📃 Key Regulations in Florida for Crab Traps

These are mostly drawn from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rules:

If you like, I can send you a checklist (paper or phone-friendly) of all the trap rules in Palm Beach County so you don’t get surprised when you go out. Do you want that?

Yes

Perfect 👍 — here’s a Florida Blue Crab Trap Checklist that you can use right in West Palm Beach.

🦀 Florida Recreational Blue Crab Trap Rules (Pier Use)

✅ Registration

• Free but required if you’re 16 or older.
• Get your number from FWC’s licensing portal.

✅ Trap Limits

• Max 5 traps per person.

✅ Trap Construction

• Size: Max 24" × 24" × 24" (or 8 cubic feet).
• Mesh: At least 1.5".
• Entrance (throat): Can’t extend more than 6" into trap.
• Escape rings: At least 3 rings, each ≥ 2 3/8".
• Degradable panel: Must use untreated wood/twine so trap will eventually break open if abandoned.
• Terrapin rule (since 2023): Each funnel must be ≤ 2" x 6" or have a terrapin excluder (BRD) installed.

✅ Marking & Buoys

• Each trap needs your name & address and FWC registration number.
• Buoys: At least 6" across, marked with an “R” for recreational and your info.

✅ When & Where

• Pull traps only during daylight hours.
• Seasonal 10-day closures happen in some regions — check FWC’s website for dates.
• Don’t block boat channels, swim areas, or navigation.

✅ Catch Rules

• Size limits: 5" minimum carapace width for blue crabs (measured point-to-point).
• Bag limit: 10 gallons of whole crabs per person, per day (in addition to 5 traps rule).
• Egg-bearing females must be released.

📍 Local Note: In Palm Beach County piers, you’ll mostly be catching blue crabs. Stone crabs have separate (stricter) trap rules and seasons.

Would you like me to also put this into a one-page printable PDF you can keep in your tackle box or glove compartment?

Are the pyramid type traps legal in Florida for the fishing peers?

Yes 👍 — pyramid (collapsible/folding) crab traps are legal in Florida for recreational use from fishing piers, as long as they follow the same statewide rules for blue crab traps.

Here’s how it applies:

✅ Pyramid / Collapsible Trap Rules in Florida

• Allowed gear: Florida law allows hoop nets, collapsible traps (like pyramids), and box-style traps for recreational crabbing.
• Trap count: Still limited to 5 traps per person.
• Construction rules still apply:
  • Max trap size: 24" × 24" × 24" (or 8 cubic feet).
  • Must have 3 escape rings (≥ 2 3/8" diameter).
  • Must include a degradable panel (wood/twine piece).
  • Entrances must follow terrapin bycatch rules (≤ 2" x 6" or use a BRD).
• Labeling: Must have your FWC registration number, name, and address on the trap.
• Buoy rules: Same buoy marking requirements apply, even from piers.

🎣 Special Note for Piers

• Since pyramid traps collapse flat when you drop them, they’re actually very pier-friendly. They go straight down, don’t drift much, and are easier to haul up vertically than heavy box traps.
• Just remember: even from a pier, the trap must be properly marked and follow all FWC trap gear rules.

👉 Do you want me to make you a side-by-side guide (with pictures) comparing hoop nets vs pyramid traps for pier crabbing in Florida? That way you can see which might suit you better before you buy.

I want to post this on mcwai. please make and infographic

Got it — here’s a clean, easy-to-read infographic layout you can post directly on mcwai. It’s written to be clear, accurate for Florida, and friendly for people who may be new to crabbing.

🦀 FLORIDA PIER CRABBING

Are Pyramid Crab Traps Legal?

4

✅ YES — Pyramid (Collapsible) Crab Traps ARE LEGAL in Florida

Including from fishing piers, as long as they follow Florida Fish & Wildlife (FWC) rules.

✅ WHAT’S ALLOWED

✔ Pyramid / collapsible crab traps
✔ Hoop nets (2-ring or 3-ring)
✔ Small recreational box traps

⚠️ REQUIRED RULES (VERY IMPORTANT)

Trap Limits

• 🧮 Max 5 traps per person

Trap Size

• 📏 Max 24” × 24” × 24” (or 8 cubic feet)

Trap Construction

• 🟢 3 escape rings (minimum 2⅜” diameter)
• 🪵 Degradable panel (wood or untreated twine)
• 🐢 Terrapin protection
  • Funnel openings max 2” × 6”
  • OR a terrapin excluder device (BRD)

Labeling

• 🏷 Trap must show:
  • Your FWC registration number
  • Name & address

Buoy Rules

• 🎈 Buoy required
• Must be marked “R” (recreational) + your info

🕘 WHEN & WHERE

• ☀️ Traps may only be pulled during daylight
• 🚫 Do not block boat channels or swim areas
• 📍 Pier rules still apply — check local pier policies

🦀 WHAT YOU CAN KEEP

• 📐 Blue crabs must be 5 inches or larger
• 🧺 Limit: 10 gallons per person per day
• ❌ Egg-bearing females must be released

⭐ BEST TRAP FOR PIERS?

🥇 Pyramid traps

• Drop straight down
• Easy to pull up
• Store flat
• Very pier-friendly

🥈 Hoop nets

• Simple & fast checks
• Lightweight
• Great for beginners

📌 TIP

If you’re unsure, ask the pier staff or check FWC before dropping traps.

If you want, I can:

• Turn this into a polished square graphic (Instagram-style)
• Make a printable PDF
• Adjust wording to match mcwai’s tone exactly

Just tell me 👍