Tunnel gates for crab pots, crab pots including the same, and related method

A method of operating a tunnel gate of a crab pot, wherein the tunnel gate includes a gate frame that define an entry opening, a trigger mount positioned within an upper gate region of the tunnel gate, the trigger mount is spaced from and exterior to the gate frame, and a plurality of trigger bars pivotally attached to the trigger mount and extending toward a lower gate region of the tunnel gate, the trigger mount forming an axis of rotation for the plurality of trigger bars at least substantially parallel to the entry opening, the method comprising:

• permitting individual rotation of the plurality of trigger bars relative to the gate frame and about a rotation axis that extends at least substantially parallel to the entry opening;
• and
• restricting rotation of the plurality of trigger bars, utilizing a trigger stop assembly of the tunnel gate that is positioned within the upper gate region, to between an open orientation, which permits entry of crabs into the crab pot via the entry opening, and a closed orientation, which restricts egress of the crabs from the crab pot via the entry opening;
• wherein the method further includes at least one of:
• (i) maintaining an open space between the plurality of trigger bars and the lower gate region throughout an entirety of a trigger bar angular range-of-motion defined between the open orientation and the closed orientation;
• and
• (ii) maintaining a spaced-apart relationship between the plurality of trigger bars and the lower gate region throughout the entirety of the trigger bar angular range-of-motion.

A tunnel gate for a crab pot, the tunnel gate comprising:

• a gate frame that defines an entry opening that is sized to permit crabs to pass therethrough and enter the crab pot;
• a trigger mount positioned within an upper gate region of the tunnel gate, the trigger mount is spaced from and on an exterior side of the entry opening;
• a plurality of trigger bars pivotally attached to the trigger mount and extending toward a lower gate region of the tunnel gate, wherein the plurality of trigger bars is configured to rotate, relative to the gate frame, about a rotation axis that extends at least substantially parallel to the entry opening;
• and
• a trigger stop assembly positioned within the upper gate region, wherein the trigger stop assembly is configured to restrict rotation of the plurality of trigger bars about the rotation axis between an open orientation, which permits entry of the crabs into the crab pot via the entry opening, and a closed orientation, which restricts egress of the crabs from the crab pot via the entry opening;
• wherein, when in the open orientation, each trigger bar of the plurality of trigger bars extends from the trigger mount at an upper end of the respective trigger bar, and a lower end of the respective trigger bar and breaks a plane formed by the entry opening.