How Are You Using Bass Traps?

Measure first. :)  Not everyone needs a bass trap.  Absorbers (including traps) change both frequency response and clarity.  They are essentially room tone controls.  If you lack bass, you want to absorb mid-high frequency. 

Most people have too much of everything, so a balanced approach of reducing the reflections and resonance times is usually a good idea, but each room is different.  If you have a lot of glass surfaces for instance, you need extra mid-hi absorption wherever you can get it.  Ceilings, behind your listening position, etc.

@erik_squires , I have measured using Audyssey Pro software which includes a calibrated mic and a detailed graph. Are you using REW?

I use OmniMic most of the time, but I've used REW. :)  My point was just to not use traps willy-nilly.  In my rooms they've always made an improvement though.

This tool will tell you the frequency, type (axial/tangential/oblique), and locations of room modes based on your room’s dimensions and can be helpful for a rough guide to begin experimenting with room treatment:

It is room dependent. I have a large room ~30’ across the speaker wall. I use the corners for bass trap storage. I had bought them for a previous home. I wouldn’t consider them a cost effective solution for my home.

Also, I am pretty sure all traps are not made the same. Tube traps have one side (under the fabric cover) with a reflective layer to reflect high and midrange while dampening the bass. Just looking at them you would not know this. 

I always catch and release.

that is funny, I guess you can use a net when you "trap" bass too :)