Recreational Crabbing Reminders
A new crab trap is showing up at Maryland sport fishing retail stores under the name of CRAB ALERT. This trap is designed so that when a crab grabs the bait, a spring-loaded trap door closes automatically. Please be aware that a crab trap that automatically closes, without a manual force, is illegal to use in Maryland. Using illegal methods to catch crabs has a maximum penalty of $1,000 for the first offense.
According to Maryland regulation, a collapsible crab trap is defined as a manually operated, portable device having a flat bottom not more than 20 inches by 15 inches, and not more than four articulated sides. The trap shall be designed so that failure to apply manually exerted tension on the closing mechanism allows the crabs to escape. In other words, a crab trap must allow crabs to enter and exit the trap until the user pulls the line up to retrieve the trap. This pulling of the line manually closes the sides on the trap.
Recreational Crab Pot Requirements are available for all recreational waterfront property owners who set crab pots.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
It is indeed a shame that a family can no longer stop by their local butcher shop or grocery store, pick-up a package of chicken necks or like crab bait a ball of twine and a sinker and take the kids out to catch a few crabs before stopping at your local law office so a lawyer can explain the rules,regulations. I believe it all still comes down to money for license fees and tax dollars for "specialized" crab traps. No one enjoyed fishing or crabbing more than I did, but I haven't done either in years, I haven't a clue what you can catch or can't catch or what kind of permits I'd need. I didn't have all this crap to deal with, certainly no longer worth it to me to have a
ReplyDeleteboat and spend the day on the water to go fishing. To think you can go into a local fish market get about anything you want cheaper than a day on the water and look around and think well all this seafood had to come from somewhere wasn't caught on a hook and line or a chicken neck. This State sucks I am sorry I'm to old now to sell my home pack up and move.
And hunting in the Kings forest is punishable by death on the rack.
ReplyDeleteIt's only illegal if you get caught.
ReplyDeleteBlame those who overfish. They've ruined it for everyone. Gotta make sure they'll be around in the future, can't be selfish and only think of ourselves. Which is a stretch for most of you clearly!
ReplyDeleteEven waterfont property owners are being harassed by the NRP/DNR. You don't need a hunting or fishing license on your own property, but DNR still comes by to "check" your license even though you don't need one. Revenue collectors on the water and very little to do with safety.
ReplyDelete251, amen and thank you! I say this all the time- for every responsible hunter/fisherman/crabber, there is at least one who isnt. Case in point,214 and 253.
ReplyDelete9:54 As a waterfront property owner, I am very responsible about conservation. I only take enough to eat and never take more than I and my family can eat. Only take one large rockfish per spring season for past 15 years. Really tired of DNR constantly stopping by to check licenses. They know who owns the property and that no license is needed.
ReplyDeleteThe "state" needs to be taught to mind its own business.
ReplyDeleteso if I am rich enough I can do pretty much whatever I want. waterfront property take what I can get away with. Not rich enough to own waterfront property then stfu and get back in line! total bs! the bay and it's waters belong to us! not the greedy corporations or the state!
ReplyDeleteDNR= do not resuscitate!