The fish catching trap includes a substantially rigid round base having an open net surrounding it. A buoy or float is attached to the net by a line, the buoy being held stationary to an upper handle-like portion of the base using a nail or pin. The pin is attached to a string connected to fish bait placed in the bottom of the trap. When a fish disturbs or moves the bait, the string is pulled and the pin is released, allowing the buoy to quickly move upwards, closing the net surrounding the base and trapping any fish in the area. A second buoy serves as a visual indicator that the trap has been sprung.