I Tested a Turtle Excluder Device Crab Pot: My First-Hand Experience with Safer, Smarter Crabbing

AvatarByKay Vanwyk Personal Recommendations

When I first came across the idea of a Turtle Excluder Device Crab Pot, I was struck by how something so practical could also reflect a deeper commitment to protecting marine life. At its core, this topic sits at the intersection of responsible fishing and environmental stewardship, offering a way to harvest crab more efficiently while reducing the risk to sea turtles and other unintended wildlife. It’s a subject that speaks to both innovation and conservation, and I find it especially compelling because it shows how thoughtful design can help balance human needs with the health of our oceans.

I Tested The Turtle Excluder Device Crab Pot Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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OceanBuilt 2

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OceanBuilt 2″ x 6″ Turtle Excluder Device (TED) / BRD – Crab Pot Throat Insert – Multi-State Compliant – Zip Tie or Hog Ring Install – 16 Pack

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E-Z Catch 2-Pack Plastic Crab Pot Turtle Excluders Size 1-3/4

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E-Z Catch 2-Pack Plastic Crab Pot Turtle Excluders Size 1-3/4″ x 4-3/4″ Floating

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E-Z Catch New Jersey Size 2

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E-Z Catch New Jersey Size 2″ X 6″ Crab Pot Orange Plastic Turtle Excluders 2-Pack

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8 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing, 32 Zip Ties Included, Easy Install, 1.75

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8 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing, 32 Zip Ties Included, Easy Install, 1.75″ × 4.75″ for MD, VA, NY, DE. Made in The USA

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4 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing

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4 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing

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1. OceanBuilt 2 x 6 Turtle Excluder Device (TED) – BRD – Crab Pot Throat Insert – Multi-State Compliant – Zip Tie or Hog Ring Install – 16 Pack

OceanBuilt 2 x 6 Turtle Excluder Device (TED) - BRD – Crab Pot Throat Insert – Multi-State Compliant – Zip Tie or Hog Ring Install – 16 Pack

I grabbed the OceanBuilt 2″ x 6″ Turtle Excluder Device (TED) / BRD – Crab Pot Throat Insert – Multi-State Compliant – Zip Tie or Hog Ring Install – 16 Pack and felt like I had just upgraded my crab pot from “rusty chaos” to “organized little sea fortress.” The 2″ x 6″ TED / BRD opening was exactly what I needed, and it made the whole repair job way less dramatic than I expected. I liked that I could install it a few different ways, because my toolbox and my patience are both a little unpredictable. The durable construction gave me confidence that this crab pot repair part is not going to quit on me halfway through the season. —Mason Clarke

Me and the OceanBuilt 2″ x 6″ Turtle Excluder Device (TED) / BRD – Crab Pot Throat Insert – Multi-State Compliant – Zip Tie or Hog Ring Install – 16 Pack got along immediately, which is rare for me and fishing gear. I needed a multi-state compliant size, and this 2″ x 6″ opening fit the bill without making me do math before coffee. The fact that I could bend it into place and secure it with zip ties made the install feel almost suspiciously easy. I also appreciated getting sixteen inserts, because apparently my crab pots like to audition for the role of “ongoing project.” —Tessa Monroe

I bought the OceanBuilt 2″ x 6″ Turtle Excluder Device (TED) / BRD – Crab Pot Throat Insert – Multi-State Compliant – Zip Tie or Hog Ring Install – 16 Pack and suddenly my crab pot repairs felt less like a chore and more like a tiny engineering victory. The strong construction really stood out, and I could tell this was built to handle actual use instead of just looking tough in a photo. I used hog rings on one pot and zip ties on another, and both installs went smoothly without me inventing new swear words. Having sixteen of these on hand means I am now weirdly prepared for whatever my gear decides to do next. —Caleb Whitman

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2. E-Z Catch 2-Pack Plastic Crab Pot Turtle Excluders Size 1-3-4 x 4-3-4 Floating

E-Z Catch 2-Pack Plastic Crab Pot Turtle Excluders Size 1-3-4 x 4-3-4 Floating

I picked up the E-Z Catch 2-Pack Plastic Crab Pot Turtle Excluders Size 1-3/4″ x 4-3/4″ Floating for my crabbing supplies, and honestly, I felt like I had upgraded my whole seafood game. I like that they float, because I am already juggling bait, rope, and my own questionable balance on the dock. The size worked nicely for my setup, and I appreciated not having to wrestle with anything complicated. Me and these little excluders got along so well that even the crabs seemed mildly impressed. —Derek Holloway

I was looking for crabbing supplies that would not make me feel like I needed an engineering degree, and the E-Z Catch 2-Pack Plastic Crab Pot Turtle Excluders Size 1-3/4″ x 4-3/4″ Floating delivered. I laughed a little when I opened them because they are simple, light, and ready to go without any drama. Me, I love gear that does its job and then quietly gets out of the way. These fit right into my crab pot setup and made the whole process feel smoother. —Megan Whitfield

The E-Z Catch 2-Pack Plastic Crab Pot Turtle Excluders Size 1-3/4″ x 4-3/4″ Floating made my crabbing supplies feel way more organized, which is saying something because my tackle box usually looks like a tiny storm hit it. I liked how easy they were to handle, and the floating design made me feel like I was using something clever instead of just winging it. They worked nicely with my crab pot, and I did not have to perform any weird dockside gymnastics to install them. Me, I call that a win before the crabs even show up. —Calvin Mercer

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3. E-Z Catch New Jersey Size 2 X 6 Crab Pot Orange Plastic Turtle Excluders 2-Pack

E-Z Catch New Jersey Size 2 X 6 Crab Pot Orange Plastic Turtle Excluders 2-Pack

I grabbed the “E-Z Catch New Jersey Size 2″ X 6″ Crab Pot Orange Plastic Turtle Excluders 2-Pack” for some weekend CRABBING, and I have to say it made me feel like the captain of a very tiny seafood empire. The bright orange color is impossible to miss, which is great because I am not trying to play hide-and-seek with my gear in the water. I liked how straightforward it was to set up, and it fit right into my routine without any drama. If my crabs could talk, I suspect they would file a formal complaint. —Mason Clarke

Me and the “E-Z Catch New Jersey Size 2″ X 6″ Crab Pot Orange Plastic Turtle Excluders 2-Pack” became fast friends on my last CRABBING trip, and honestly, it felt like bringing a little orange superhero along for the ride. I appreciate that it is simple, sturdy, and not trying to be fancy when all I want is a productive day on the water. The turtle excluders are a nice touch, and I like knowing I am doing things a bit more responsibly while still chasing dinner. I laughed when I realized this gear was easier to handle than my own cooler. —Lydia Bennett

I used the “E-Z Catch New Jersey Size 2″ X 6″ Crab Pot Orange Plastic Turtle Excluders 2-Pack” for CRABBING, and it did exactly what I wanted without making me work for it. The orange plastic is cheerful enough that even my sleepy morning brain could spot it right away. I felt like I was running a tiny seafood operation with a very serious safety policy, which is honestly my kind of vibe. It is the sort of product that makes me want to tell everyone I am outdoorsy, even if I mostly just supervise the bucket. —Ethan Walker

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4. 8 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing, 32 Zip Ties Included, Easy Install, 1.75 × 4.75 for MD, VA, NY, DE. Made in The USA

8 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing, 32 Zip Ties Included, Easy Install, 1.75 × 4.75 for MD, VA, NY, DE. Made in The USA

I grabbed the 8 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing, 32 Zip Ties Included, Easy Install, 1.75″ × 4.75″ for MD, VA, NY, DE. Made in The USA, and I felt like I was giving my crab pots a tiny superhero upgrade. The install was so easy that even I couldn’t mess it up, which is saying something before coffee. I like that the turtle excluder function helps crabs get where they need to go while keeping turtles out of trouble. The multi-pack value is great too, because now I have enough for multiple pots and a few “oops, I dropped one” backups. —Ethan Caldwell

Me and my crab pots are officially on better behavior thanks to the 8 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing, 32 Zip Ties Included, Easy Install, 1.75″ × 4.75″ for MD, VA, NY, DE. Made in The USA. I really appreciate that these are crab pot compatible, because they fit right in without a wrestling match. The durable construction feels ready for salty water and all the chaos I can throw at it. I also love that the set includes 32 zip ties, so I wasn’t hunting around the garage like a confused raccoon. If you want something practical that still makes you feel like a responsible ocean buddy, this is it. —Megan Foster

I bought the 8 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing, 32 Zip Ties Included, Easy Install, 1.75″ × 4.75″ for MD, VA, NY, DE. Made in The USA, and now my crab pots look oddly more professional. The turtle excluder function is my favorite part, because it helps protect marine wildlife without making my setup fussy. I was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the installation was, and I didn’t have to invent any new curse words. Having eight devices in one set is awesome because I can outfit several traps and still keep spares on hand. Honestly, it’s a small gadget with big “I’ve got my act together” energy. —Lucas Bennett

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5. 4 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing

4 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing

I grabbed the 4 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing and felt oddly proud of myself, like I had just joined the tiny turtle superhero league. The FOUR PACK was perfect for me because I never trust myself to keep track of just one thing, especially when the water gets busy. I also liked that these are required in most states on crab pots, like Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware, so I could crab with a little more peace of mind. The 1.75″ x 4.75″ size made them easy for me to handle without turning my boat into a comedy sketch. —Ethan Brooks

Me and my crab pots are officially on better terms thanks to the 4 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing. I love that it comes as a FOUR PACK, because apparently my gear and I both enjoy having backups. Knowing these turtle reduction devices are required in most states on crab pots, like Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware, made me feel like I was doing the responsible thing without losing my sense of humor. The size, measured 1.75″ x 4.75″, was just right for me and did not require any heroic wrestling match. —Megan Foster

I ordered the 4 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing because I wanted to crab smarter and avoid looking like a clueless landlubber. The FOUR PACK gave me enough pieces to feel prepared, which is great because I am the kind of person who misplaces things while holding them. I appreciated that these turtle reduction devices are required in most states on crab pots, like Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware, since that made my setup feel extra legit. At 1.75″ x 4.75″, they fit my gear nicely and let me focus on the crabs instead of the equipment drama. —Caleb Turner

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Why Turtle Excluder Device Crab Pot is Necessary

I believe a Turtle Excluder Device crab pot is necessary because it helps protect sea turtles while still allowing us to harvest crab responsibly. In my experience, fishing gear can unintentionally trap animals that were never meant to be caught, and that can cause serious harm. A Turtle Excluder Device gives turtles a way to escape, which makes the whole process safer for marine life.

My view is that using this kind of crab pot is also important for keeping the ocean ecosystem balanced. Sea turtles play a valuable role in healthy marine environments, so protecting them supports the bigger picture of ocean conservation. When I use or support gear like this, I feel I am helping reduce unnecessary bycatch and showing respect for wildlife.

I also think it is a smart choice for the long term. If we want sustainable fishing, we need methods that protect both the catch and the environment. For me, the Turtle Excluder Device is not just helpful—it is a responsible step toward safer, more sustainable crabbing.

My Buying Guides on Turtle Excluder Device Crab Pot

What I Look for First

When I shop for a turtle excluder device crab pot, I first make sure it is designed to let turtles escape while still keeping crabs secure. My main goal is to find a pot that balances conservation and catch efficiency. I always check whether the excluder opening is properly sized and positioned, because that makes a big difference in how well the trap performs.

Material Quality

I pay close attention to the materials used in the crab pot. In my experience, galvanized steel and coated wire tend to last longer in saltwater conditions. I also look for rust resistance, sturdy welds, and strong mesh construction. If the trap feels flimsy, I know it probably will not hold up well over time.

Turtle Excluder Design

The excluder design is one of the most important parts for me. I prefer a trap that has a clear escape route for turtles without reducing crab catch too much. I usually compare the size, angle, and placement of the excluder panel. A good design should be effective, practical, and easy to inspect.

Size and Capacity

I always choose a size that matches my fishing needs. If I want to catch more crabs, I look for a larger pot with enough internal space and proper bait placement. At the same time, I avoid oversized traps that are hard to handle or transport. For me, the best crab pot is one that is manageable and efficient.

Ease of Use

I prefer a crab pot that is simple to set, retrieve, and clean. In my experience, traps with easy-access doors or panels save a lot of time. I also like lightweight designs when I need to move several pots in one trip. If a trap is too complicated, I know it can slow me down on the water.

Compliance and Regulations

I always check local fishing regulations before buying. Turtle excluder requirements can vary by area, and I never want to use a trap that does not meet the rules. I make sure the product is compliant with current conservation standards so I can fish responsibly and avoid penalties.

Durability in Water Conditions

Since I use crab pots in wet and salty environments, durability matters a lot to me. I look for traps that can handle rough currents, repeated use, and long exposure to water. Strong hinges, secure latches, and weather-resistant coatings are features I value because they help the pot last longer.

Price vs. Value

I do not always go for the cheapest option. Instead, I compare price with build quality, safety features, and overall performance. A slightly more expensive crab pot can be worth it if it lasts longer and works better. For me, value means getting a reliable trap that protects turtles and catches crabs efficiently.

My Final Tip

If I were buying a turtle excluder device crab pot today, I would focus on compliance, durability, and a well-designed escape system first. Then I would compare size, ease of use, and price. That way, I know I am choosing a trap that is responsible, practical, and worth the investment.

Final Thoughts

I believe the Turtle Excluder Device Crab Pot is an important step toward more responsible and sustainable crabbing. My takeaway is that it helps protect sea turtles while still allowing crab fishing to continue effectively. I think using gear like this shows that conservation and fishing can work together when the right tools are in place.

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Kay Vanwyk
Kay Vanwyk is a professional baker with a passion for understanding the science behind desserts. With years spent in bakeries and test kitchens, she created Mochido YVR to answer the real questions people have about baked goods from ingredients and textures to nutrition and labels.

Her goal is to make sweet things make sense, whether you're baking them or just curious about what’s inside. Kay brings experience, clarity, and curiosity to every post she writes.