The Maryland crab pot is an enclosed framework of wire with four openings where the crabs enter to eat the bait. When the crabs cannot leave the same way they entered, they float upward and go through the openings of the inner wire portion of the pot. If the crab is trapped and cannot escape from your equipment, then the device is referred to as a crab pot, which is similar to what commercial crabbers use.

The law allows only waterfront property owners to set a maximum of two crab pots at their property without day or time restrictions, otherwise a commercial license is required.

The crab pot is a much larger and heavier piece of equipment used to catch crabs than a trap. The Maryland crab pot is cubicle, generally 2'x2'x2' and, when baited might weight fifteen pounds or more. It takes more physical exertion than does a crab trap to operate, but, unlike the trap, it is only brought to the surface once or twice a day. The crab pot is baited from the bottom with fish parts, chicken necks, eel, or bull lips. This is done by turning the pot on its side, stuffing the bait into the wire container within the pot, and then closing it securely. The pot is held upright and lowered into the water with a nylon rope long enough so that the pot sits on the bottom.

Crab pots should be attended, pulled, and checked everyday or at most, within a few days, depending upon the weather. Keep in mind the crabs are trapped inside and will not live without food. Remember too that they are cannibalistic and will begin to kill and eat each other, thereby reducing the amount of your catch.

Crabs are removed from the pot by disengaging the wire hook at the top; this allows an opening along one side. You may then turn the pot over and shake the crabs into the basket. Cull and check all crabs for "keepers" and return all others to the water. Fill the bait container if necessary, close the top, attach the hook and return the pot to the water for the next catch.