The Key Principle
Let them in but not back out
A one-way swinging gate
The Hoop Gate is a one-way swinging gate installed on the hoop of the parlor of the trap. The specific gravity of the Hoop Gate material is just greater than that of ocean water, allowing its natural state to be the closed position. When a lobster begins to enter the parlor, the Hoop Gate presents nearly zero resistance and swings open very easily. The lobster's progress into the parlor is therefore not interfered with. When the lobster attempts to exit the parlor, the Hoop Gate remains closed and the lobster is now truly trapped.
Perfected through iteration
The specific shape of the gate is the result of 19 prototypes before an effective gate was produced. The length of the tines in relation to the shape of the hoop gives the appearance of a hole through which the lobster will enter. The curved tines allow the gate to ride up on the lobster's back without spooking the lobster. The key to having the gate work effectively is the shape of the tines and the gate's sensitivity when a lobster comes in contact with it.
Two sizes to accomodate multiple size hoops
The Hoop Gate comes in two sizes - large and small. The small Hoop Gate is designed for 4.5" and 5" hoops. The large Hoop Gate is designed to fit 6", 6.5", and 7" hoops.