Ideal crab pot setup?

[Stein]

It's really easy, don't over think it.

Get a $20 Danielson pot, sometimes they come with rope and a red/white float.

Put 5-10 extra pounds of weight in there.  You can buy the expensive pot weights, pour your own, or zip tie a 5# weightlifting plate on the bottom.

Get a bait bag or cylinder, it doesn't matter.

Drop it in 45+ feet of water, make sure it is on the bottom before you let go (really the only rule in crabbing).

In an hour or two, pull it.  If there aren't any keepers, rebait and drop it somewhere else.  Repeat this until you find a good spot.

[Odell]

I would guess 90% of stolen pots are 'stolen' by the tide and current

[Stein]

I would guess 90% of stolen pots are 'stolen' by the tide and current

I was landing in Everett last year as the warden was coming in with his latest haul of lost pots.  He probably had 40+ and said they were all from the same small area, they can't keep up getting the old ones out of there.  Most of the pots looked like they were lost that season, not there for years.

You can lose a pot because it isn't heavy enough and just floats away or dropping a heavy pot too deep.  There are also logs and other stuff that can drag them.

That said, when you put stuff with big bones in a cage and it's gone, including the big bone, it's pretty suspect.  I have had my pots cleaned out before but haven't had one stolen.  I used to leave them overnight but don't anymore but they are unattended for 2-4 hours while I am fishing.

[jeffro]

Forgot to add
A davit arm with a pulley makes it so much easier
A puller motor is optional and expensive
Or at least a pulley that goes in a rod holder mount
Saves the side of your boat and your back

[blackpowderhunter]

cheap crab pot weights tip.
go to good will and check the "sporting goods" area.. usually theyll have a bunch of 1 to 5 lb barbells or plate weights for a dollar each or less.