Abstract: A trap for catching marine life species having a bottom member, a guide member attached to the bottom member, a top enclosure slideably received on the guide member wherein the top enclosure is guided between a closed position and in contact with the bottom member to an open position spaced form and above the bottom member. The top enclosure includes a frame and mesh members removably attached to the frame whereby different mesh sizes can be inserted as required. The frame can be collapsible and flexible. Further, a buoyancy member can be positioned at a lower end of the top enclosure permitting the trap to be used in shallow water.

Abstract: The trap top and bottom portions are reeved with an operator line such that the operator above water may by taking in line pull the top portion down onto the bottom portion and enclose the bait and attendant marine life therein preliminary to raising the closed trap out of the water. In addition, a second float is attached to the top portion. The second float has sufficient buoyancy to hold the top portion in the raised position, but insufficient buoyancy to lift the entire trap. The second float is connected to the top portion through a timed release device of pre-selected duration. The timed release may be a soluble link with a known rate of solubility in water and of a thickness selected to last in the water for the length of time desired.