Wholesale lobster and crab bait
Fresh and frozen trap bait for Atlantic lobster and Jonah crab fishermen across New England and Canada.
Canastra Fishing Co. supplies fresh and frozen wholesale lobster and crab bait for commercial fishermen who need dependable supply and trap bait that performs.
The company owns and operates its own vessels—and sources directly from fisheries around the world—giving buyers access to high-quality pot bait year-round.
From redfish, rockfish and monkfish to other seasonal bait options, our team works directly with fishermen, vessels, cold storage partners and suppliers to match the right bait to the way each crew fishes.
Why choose Canastra Fishing Company for wholesale trap bait?
Trap bait for commercial buyers
We supply bait for fishermen, lobster companies, crab operations, and other commercial buyers who need volume, clear product information and reliable communication.
Practical fishing knowledge
Our seafood sourcing experts navigate volatile global bait markets, giving customers fresh and frozen supply when others can’t.
Fresh and frozen supply
Canastra Fishing Co. offers fresh and frozen bait, including small redfish, redfish racks, rockfish, rockfish racks, monkfish heads, herring, and other baits, year-round.
Quality seafood-based pot bait
Good bait should support the fishery, perform for the fisherman, and make sense for the long-term health of the product being harvested.
Common trap bait products
Acadian Redfish
Species: Sebastes fasciatus
Origin: Gulf of Maine (product of USA)
Redfish is one of the most popular lobster and crab baits, due to its availability, durability in the water, oily skin and smell.
Available year-round as fresh and frozen redfish heads, redfish racks and small whole fish.
Monkfish heads
Species: Lophius americanus
Origin: Gulf of Maine (product of USA)
Monkfish heads give commercial fishermen a durable seafood-based pot bait option with strong smell and solid structure.
Heads average 2 to 4 lb each. Fresh and frozen supply available year-round.
Herring
Species: Clupea harengus
Origin: Product of USA
Herring is one of the most familiar trap bait choices in the lobster industry. It gives off a strong smell, handles well in commercial trap work, and suits crews that want proven bait fish.
Fresh herring works well for faster attraction on shorter hauls, while frozen helps buyers manage volume and forward planning.
Pacific rockfish
Species: Various
Origin: West Coast (product of USA)
Pacific rockfish gives commercial fishermen a durable seafood-based bait option with good oil content, smell and structure.
Available year-round as fresh and frozen rockfish heads, rockfish racks and small whole fish.
Black cod heads
Species: Anoplopoma fimbria
Origin: Pacific Northwest / West Coast (product of USA)
Black cod heads offer a rich, oily bait option for commercial lobster and crab crews that need strong smell and reliable trap performance. Many fishermen use black cod heads as part of a bait mix, pairing a premium oily head with more affordable bait options.
Fresh black cod heads are typically available from late summer through fall, depending on West Coast landings, processing schedules and inventory. Frozen supply also available.
Whole skate
Species: Various
Origin: Product of USA
Whole skate is a practical bait option for crab fishermen who need cost-effective bait that still performs in trap fisheries.
Skate is available fresh and frozen, giving crab fishermen a cost-effective bait option with dependable trap performance year-round.
Fresh bait vs. hard bait
Fresh bait gives off smell quickly and works well for crews hauling traps regularly. It can attract fast activity, but it also breaks down faster in the trap.
Harder and frozen trap bait holds longer through extended soak times. Many crews use a mix of fresh and frozen bait depending on weather, haul schedules, water temperature and fishing conditions.
Better bait starts with better sourcing
Bait is part of the seafood supply chain. It affects fishermen’s catch strategy, fishery health, and the story behind the seafood that people eat.
Canastra Fishing Co. is the trap bait wholesale supplier that brings practical seafood experience and commercial sourcing knowledge to the bait market. We help fishermen and bait suppliers find products that perform on the water and make sense for the long term.
For current bait availability, pricing, and formats, contact Canastra Fishing Co.
Product overview
Product types: Fresh and frozen commercial bait.
Common options: Whole redfish, redfish heads, redfish racks, monkfish heads, rockfish heads, rockfish racks, WR (whole round) herring, herring cuttings/frames, whole skate, black cod heads and seasonal bait products.
Use cases: Lobster trap bait, crab bait, trap fisheries.
Formats: Blocks, cases, pallets.
Availability: Year-round.
Customers: Fishermen, lobster companies, crab operations, seafood dealers, bait buyers, and commercial fisheries.
Contact Canastra Fishing Co. to discuss current wholesale fishing bait pricing and bulk supply.
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