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Creel is a type of small wicker basket mainly used by anglers to hold fish or other prey. A creel is designed to function as an evaporative cooler when lined with moss and dipped into the creek in order to keep the catch chilled. Caught fish are inserted through a slot in the top which is held in place by a small leather strap.
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Creels in Ireland
Another type of creel is the turf creel. Traditionally used in the west of Ireland there are a variety of styles and sizes. These creels were commonly used for carrying peat fuel by hand and also by pony or donkey. In modern day usage, creels also refer to high sides added to a towed trailer. This makes the trailer more suitable for carrying loose material, such as turf etc.
Creels in Scotland
The word creel is also used in Scotland (chiefly in the north) to refer to a device used to catch lobsters and other crustaceans. Made of woven netting (similar to that used in traditional fishing net) over a frame of plastic tubing and a slatted wooden base, this type of creel is analogous in function to a lobster pot. Several creels shot on one line can be referred to as a "leader".