How to Catch Crabs and Fish Using Umbrella Trap (Complete Beginner Guide – India)

Umbrella traps are one of the easiest and most effective tools used in India to catch both crabs and small fish. Whether you are fishing in rivers, ponds, canals, creeks or backwaters, an umbrella trap allows even beginners to catch fish and crabs without any fishing skills.

This guide explains how umbrella traps work, where to use them, what bait to use, which size to choose and common mistakes to avoid. If you are looking for a simple and reliable fishing method, this guide will help you get started.

What is an Umbrella Trap?

An umbrella trap is a foldable fishing trap designed in an umbrella shape. When placed in water, the trap opens automatically. Bait is placed in the center, attracting crabs and fish inside the trap. Once they enter, the structure makes it difficult for them to escape.

Umbrella traps are widely used across India because they are lightweight, portable, affordable and suitable for both crab catching and fish catching.

What Can You Catch With an Umbrella Trap?

Umbrella traps are multi-purpose traps. Depending on the bait and location, you can catch:

• River crabs and mud crabs
• Small river fish
• Catfish (small size)
• Tilapia (small size)
• Prawns and shrimps in some regions

Where Umbrella Trap is Commonly Used in India

Umbrella traps work best in calm or slow-moving water bodies. They are commonly used in:

• Kerala backwaters
• West Bengal canals and rivers
• Maharashtra coastal creeks
• Goa rivers and estuaries
• Andhra Pradesh and Odisha backwaters
• Village ponds, lakes and irrigation canals

Because umbrella traps do not require throwing or casting, they are ideal for narrow canals and shallow waters where cast nets are difficult to use.

How to Use Umbrella Trap for Crab Catching

1. Use strong-smelling bait such as fish waste, chicken waste or spoiled fish
2. Secure the bait firmly in the center of the trap
3. Lower the trap gently into the water near muddy edges or crab paths
4. Leave the trap undisturbed for 20 to 30 minutes
5. Pull the rope slowly and steadily to prevent crabs from escaping

Crabs are attracted by smell, so bait selection plays a major role in successful crab catching.

How to Use Umbrella Trap for Fish Catching

1. Use bait like dry fish pieces, bread, rice bran or oil cake
2. Place the trap in slightly deeper water where fish movement is visible
3. Avoid disturbing the water after placing the trap
4. Lift the trap slowly after 15 to 20 minutes

For fish catching, patience and slow lifting are important to avoid fish escaping.

Which Size Umbrella Trap Should You Choose?

Umbrella traps are available in different sizes and hook counts. Choosing the right size depends on your requirement:

• Small size – Suitable for ponds, small fish and light crab catching
• Medium size – Ideal for mixed catch of fish and crabs
• Large size – Best for crab-focused catching and higher quantity

Beginners are advised to start with a medium size umbrella trap for better results.

Why Umbrella Trap is Best for Beginners

• No fishing skill or experience required
• No casting, throwing or physical effort
• Easy to fold, carry and store
• Works while you wait
• Low cost compared to other fishing methods

Umbrella Trap vs Cast Net

While cast nets are effective, they require skill and practice. Umbrella traps are more suitable for beginners because:

• No throwing technique needed
• Can be used in narrow or shallow areas
• Lower physical effort
• Can be left in water while doing other work

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using weak or incorrect bait
• Pulling the trap too fast
• Placing the trap in very shallow water
• Disturbing the water frequently

Recommended Umbrella Trap for Crab and Fish

Our umbrella traps are designed for Indian fishing conditions. They are strong, foldable and suitable for catching both crabs and fish in rivers, ponds and backwaters.

👉 View available Umbrella Crab & Fishing Trap sizes here

Frequently Asked Questions

Can umbrella trap catch fish?
Yes, umbrella traps can catch small fish when proper bait and placement are used.

Is umbrella trap suitable for ponds and canals?
Yes, it works well in ponds, canals, rivers and backwaters.

Is umbrella trap good for beginners?
Yes, it is one of the easiest fishing tools for beginners in India.