OctaTrap – frequently asked questions

About OctaTrap

1. What is OctaTrap?

OctaTrap is a large, passive fish trap for bottom‑dwelling species. It is a 4.6 m octagon made of HDPE, shipped as 9 lightweight pieces (8 outer tubes + 1 central tube) that click together in minutes. Once assembled, it sits on the riverbed, raised on adjustable legs. Fish swim under the octagon, enter through bottom‑facing holes, are guided through 8 radial gangway tubes to the centre, and collect in the net bag. No electricity, no moving parts, no bait required.

2. Is OctaTrap for professional fishermen and companies?

Yes – OctaTrap is designed and developed for professional fishing businesses. Commercial eel and catfish fishermen, fish farms, and wildlife management agencies use our system for high‑volume, efficient trapping.

However, we also have many hobby and recreational fishermen who use OctaTrap with great success. We are also developing a smaller footprint version for sport fishing and personal use (coming soon).

3. Why did you develop OctaTrap? Don't traditional nets already work?

Traditional fyke nets and traps do catch eels – but they have serious problems for professional fishermen:

You need 100+ nets to cover enough riverbed.
Each net must be checked daily (sometimes twice a day).
Checking nets requires a small boat, burning expensive fuel and wearing out engines.
You spend whole days on the water, not catching fish – just checking.

Professional eel fishermen asked us for a better way. OctaTrap is their answer:

One OctaTrap covers the same riverbed as 60 small traps (21 m²).
Fewer traps to check – visit only a fraction of your traditional nets, catch the same or even more eels.
Save fuel, save engine hours, save your working day.
More time fishing, less time checking.

OctaTrap does not replace all your nets – but it replaces many of them, so you work smarter, not harder.

4. How much riverbed does OctaTrap cover?

The assembled octagon covers 21 m² – about the size of a small room. Traditional nets cover only 1–2 m². OctaTrap is 10× larger, so fish cannot easily avoid it.

5. Which fish species does OctaTrap catch?

OctaTrap is designed for bottom‑dwelling fish that swim near the riverbed:

Eels (all species – European, American, Japanese, shortfin, longfin)
Catfish (channel cat, wels, Mekong catfish)
Loaches
Gobies
Crayfish / crabs
Lamprey
Juvenile sturgeon (if holes are sized appropriately)

It works for any fish that naturally swims under structures and through bottom openings.

How OctaTrap works

6. How many entry holes does OctaTrap have?

The octagon has 50–60 holes (10 cm diameter) drilled on the underside of the 8 outer tubes. All holes face down – debris (leaves, sticks, silt) cannot enter. Only fish.

7. Why are the holes on the bottom?

Because eels and other bottom fish swim near the riverbed. By placing holes on the underside, fish enter from below – exactly where they already are. Debris floats above or passes under the raised octagon and never enters the holes. No clogging, no cleaning.

8. How are fish guided to the centre?

Each of the 8 outer tubes has a gangway tube (radial connector) that leads to the central tube. Once fish enter through any bottom hole, they find themselves inside the octagon ring. From there, the 8 open gangway tubes act like corridors – water flows gently through them, creating a current that fish can feel and follow. They swim naturally toward the centre, where the net bag is attached.

It is like a building with 60 open doors and 8 hallways all leading to one room – fish are drawn in without bait.

9. Do I need bait?

No – OctaTrap attracts fish without bait.

The combination of 50–60 bottom entry holes and 8 radial gangway tubes creates a gentle, natural current that fish can sense from a distance. They follow this flow into the octagon, through the gangways, and into the net – no bait needed.

Can you add bait for better results?
Yes – if you want to increase catch rates further, you can put bait (fish meal, dead fish, dough) inside the net. But OctaTrap works perfectly well as a pure passive trap.

10. Is OctaTrap legal to use?

OctaTrap is a fishing trap. You are responsible for complying with all local fishing laws, seasons, and licensing requirements. In many countries, eel and catfish trapping is legal with a permit. Check your local regulations before using OctaTrap. We do not ship to countries where bottom fish trapping is banned.

Assembly, installation & transport

11. How do I assemble and install OctaTrap?

Shipping: OctaTrap comes as 9 pieces (8 outer tubes + 1 central tube) – compact and cheap to ship worldwide.

Assembly (no tools needed, quick couplings):

Connect the 8 outer tubes end‑to‑end to form the complete 4.6 m octagon. Each outer tube already has its gangway tube attached.
Connect all 8 gangway tubes to the central tube (where the net attaches).
Set the adjustable legs (5–15 cm) to match your riverbed.
Place the assembled octagon on the riverbed. Push down so the foot plates settle into silt or sand.
Attach the net bag to the central tube.

Two people can assemble and place the trap in about 30 minutes. No welding, no heavy machinery, no diving required for water depths < 1.5 m.

12. Can I use OctaTrap in deep water (more than 2 m)?

Yes, but installation becomes more difficult. For water deeper than 1.5 m, you may need a boat, diving equipment, or weighted lines to place the octagon. We recommend shallow areas (< 1.5 m) for easiest use.

13. How do I store OctaTrap when not in use?

Clean the net and rinse the HDPE parts with fresh water. Disassemble the 9 pieces (they click apart easily). Store in a dry place out of direct sunlight for long‑term storage (HDPE is UV‑stabilised, but shade extends life).

Maintenance & durability

14. How do I clean OctaTrap?

You do not need to clean the holes – they are on the underside and self‑clearing. The net bag can be removed and rinsed. The HDPE frame can be wiped down occasionally, but algae growth does not affect performance.

15. What is the net made of? How long does it last?

The starter net is made of durable, knotless mesh (size depends on target species). Nets are consumable wear parts – they may need replacement after 6–12 months of regular use, depending on water conditions and fish species. Replacement nets are available separately.

16. Can I use OctaTrap in saltwater or brackish water?

Yes – OctaTrap is made of HDPE (rust‑proof) and 316 stainless steel (marine grade). It is fully saltwater compatible. Rinse the net with fresh water after use to extend its life.

17. What is the warranty?

2 years on the HDPE octagon tubes, gangway tubes, central tube, legs, foot plates, and all stainless steel hardware.
Net is not covered (wear part).
Shipping for warranty replacements is covered for the first 12 months.
Full warranty details on our Warranty page.

Purchasing & shipping

18. How much does OctaTrap cost?

Price depends on options (hole size, net mesh, shipping destination). Contact us for a quote. We offer discounts for multiple units (e.g., for commercial fishermen or cooperatives).

19. Do you ship internationally?

Yes – we ship worldwide, except to countries where bottom fish trapping is illegal. You are responsible for customs fees and import duties. The 9‑piece design keeps shipping costs low.

20. How long does delivery take?

After payment, we ship within 3 weeks (production lead time for your OctaTrap).

Once shipped, estimated delivery times are:

Within the Netherlands: 3–5 business days
Europe: 5–10 business days
Rest of world: 10–20 business days

Larger orders (multiple traps) may take longer to manufacture – we will inform you at the time of order.

Example total time (Netherlands): 3 weeks production + 3–5 days shipping = approx. 24–26 days from payment to arrival.

21. Will OctaTrap catch turtles or other non‑target animals?

It may occasionally catch turtles, large crayfish, or other bottom dwellers. Because the holes are 10 cm in diameter, smaller animals can escape. If you are in an area with protected species, check the trap frequently (daily) and release any non‑target animals immediately.

22. I have a different question – how can I contact you?

Email us directly at info@octatrap.com. Include your WhatsApp number if you prefer a fast reply. We respond within 1–2 business days.

OctaTrap – the 21 m² bottom fish trap that works