March 2018
Critter Cage and Trap
Unknown Maker
Late 1800s?
Before fishing lures gained in popularity, your only option for fishing was live bait. While live bait is still widely used, it was more relevant in the past.
I have collected several bait traps, buckets and cages over the years that were used from the early 1900’s to the 1970s, but none of them compare to this cage that I found at an auction some time ago.
From the design, heavier material, patina, and appearance of this bait cage…I suspect it is well over 100 years old. I do not know the maker, but sure would like to find out someday.
On each end of this cage, there is a concentric hole in the mesh that allows critters to get in, but have a very difficult time getting out. This is similar to what I see on glass and later plastic minnow traps. However, I don’t think this was 100% intended to be a minnow trap. I think it could also be used for frogs, crickets, crawfish, or whatever was in the area that could be used for fish bait.
Who knows. Maybe someone will see this on my webpage and offer me some more information someday?
