Abstract: A sea trap (20) includes a first jaw (22) which cooperates with a second jaw (24). Jaws (22) and (24) are connected to a base (30), and the jaws (22) and (24), and the base (30) are covered with an animal-retaining enveloping material (26) such as netting. Jaws (22) and (24) are biased by springs (32) and (34) to a closed animal-retaining state. The sea trap (20) is placed in an open animal-receiving state and a trigger mechanism (28) is armed. An animal (500) activates the trigger mechanism (28) thereby causing the sea trap (20) to rapidly close to the animal-retaining state and capturing the animal (500) within the enveloping material (26). In a preferred embodiment sea trap (20) is used in a body of water (502) to trap marine animals (500). In this embodiment a float (50) provides a visual indication that sea trap (20) has been closed and an animal (500) captured.

Abstract: A baited lobster trap including a rigid, planar, wire base supporting a vertically disposed tubular mount having disposed on the interior thereof a pivotally supported latch. Connected to the latch and extending to the exterior of the mount is a bait dispenser disposed to be articulated by the crustacean entering the trap for concurrent pivotal articulation of the latch. Two peripheral frame members conforming to the halves of the peripheral edge of the base are hinged in diametric alignment on the base, the free edges thereof being engaged to corresponding connecting members which at the other end attach to a collar disposed around a tubular guide telescopically attached to extend out of the free end of the mount. Disposed on the interior of the guide is a latching rod including a lip on the lower end thereof engageable by said latch, the rod engaging the collar through two longitudinal slots formed in the guide.