How to build a GHOST CRAB TRAP

"FRIPP SIMPLE GHOST CRAB TRAP"

Cut a hole in the bottom of the gal.. jug to the circumference of the qt. bottle sized to fit snugly. Best to use a wood burning tool.
Cut the ends OUT OF the qt. bottle leaving a 1/8" curved inside lip.
Trim the sheet of sandpaper to 1/4" shorter than the height of the qt. bottle.
Roll the sandpaper sheet into a tube with the smooth side out sized to fit snugly into the qt. bottle.
Slide this rolled tube into the qt. bottle.
Glue the edge of the sandpaper tube at the top and bottom to keep the sandpaper from unraveling (hot melt glue works well).
Slide the long end of the qt. bottle into the hole in the bottom of the jug leaving 3" exposed.

Discard the jug's cap to permit the free exchange of fresh air.
Place the traps 3" projection inside a "fresh" ghost crab hole and lock the trap in place with packed beach sand.
To remove the crab from the trap turn the jug upside down, slide the small container out, place your hand in the opening with the index finger extended, pull your finger out and the crab should be firmly attached.
Relocate or recycle the crab as you see fit.

When you want to put a trap in place to catch a ghost crab remember that it will only be successful if there is a crab in the hole. A good indication of this is when the sand around the hole is damp and darker in color. It's pointless to put a trap over a hole that is surrounded by dry sand.

The crab won't enter the trap until he needs to leave his hole. That happens at night when he needs to go to the sea. That's why you must check the trap the next morning to see if it has been successful.

Ghost crabs are good climbers but they can't go straight up. Place the trap in the tunnel following the angle of the tunnel. The tunnel never goes straight down.

These crabs aren't too bright but they aren't stoopid either. If you don't firmly imbed the center tube in the hole and build the sand up around the trap then the crab will simply push it out of the way when exiting the hole.