2008 Current VA Crab Regulations

[jack1747]

http://www.mrc.state.va.us/regulations/recfish&crabrules.shtm

[WyldGade]

So from what I understand, my husband and I don't need a license to go hand line & net crabbing, is this correct? We're brand new to this and want to try it soon.

[jack1747]

So from what I understand, my husband and I don't need a license to go hand line & net crabbing, is this correct? We're brand new to this and want to try it soon.

That is correct.  Plus you can use an unlimited number of traps and 2 commercial pots/person.  24/7..  And Welcome to the BCA 

[WyldGade]

Thank you and thank you 

[malone1956]

I have two questions:

1) If camping at Cherrystone, can my wife and I drop over two crab pots each while we are fishing, or is it two pots per vessel?

2) The other question is about the pots themselves.  Do the pots have to have culling rings for recreational crabbing.

[jack1747]

I have two questions:

1) If camping at Cherrystone, can my wife and I drop over two crab pots each while we are fishing, or is it two pots per vessel?

2) The other question is about the pots themselves.  Do the pots have to have culling rings for recreational crabbing.

Welcome tothe BCA

1. 2 per person

2. Yes   * A recreational crab pot must have at least four unobstructed cull rings, one at least 2 5/16 inches inside diameter, another at least 2 3/16 inches inside diameter located one each in opposite exterior side panels of the upper chamber of the pot, and two at least 2 3/8 inches inside diameter cull rings located one each in opposite exterior side panels of the upper chamber of the pot; except the two 2 3/8 inches diameter ring are not required in pots set on seaside of Accomack & Northampton Counties [4 VAC 20-700-20].

[jack1747]

bot

[Crabhappy]

I am still trying to clear up the number of crab traps that I can use at Cherrystone next year on vacation.  I will be using the recreational open top drop traps, not commercial crab pots.   I here there is no limit, I hear 2 per person the same as pots.  I spoke with the DNR rep and they said 2 also.  Can anyone verify that as it seems a small numberr of traps if I have a bushel limit/ 

[jack1747]

I am still trying to clear up the number of crab traps that I can use at Cherrystone next year on vacation.  I will be using the recreational open top drop traps, not commercial crab pots.   I here there is no limit, I hear 2 per person the same as pots.  I spoke with the DNR rep and they said 2 also.  Can anyone verify that as it seems a small numberr of traps if I have a bushel limit/ 

Answer is here -> http://www.bluecrab.info/forum/index.php/topic,27845.0.html Welcome to the BCA

[Tom Powers]

The cull ring regulation that Jack quoted got updated this spring.

4VAC20-700-20. Cull ring requirements.

A. Effective July 1, 2008 it shall be unlawful for any person to place, set or fish any crab pot, in Virginia's Seaside Area, that does not contain at least two unobstructed cull rings of size and location within the pot, as described in this subsection, except as provided in subsection C of this section. One cull ring shall be at least 2-5/16 inches inside diameter, and the other cull ring shall be at least 2-3/16 inches inside diameter. These cull rings shall be located, one each, in opposite exterior side panels of the upper chamber of the pot.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person to place, set or fish any crab pot, in any Virginia waters, except as described in subsection A of this section, that does not contain at least two unobstructed, cull rings. The two cull rings shall be at least 2-3/8 inches inside diameter and shall be located, one each, in opposite exterior side panels of the upper chamber of the pot.
C. Peeler pots with a mesh size less than 1-1/2 inches shall be exempt from the cull ring requirement.

[R D]

A little confusing,does this mean that you have to have 4 cull rings of 3 different sizes or if you have the bigger ones then all you have to have is 2?

[Tom Powers]

The new rule is two cull rings For the seaside of the eastern shore one at 2 5/16 and one at 2 3/16.

For the rest of the state it is 2 cull rings 2 3/8 inches in diameter.. 

Last year was when it was confusing.  Then you had to have four cull rings three different sizes.  Of course you could have used four all of the larger size and been legal.

[R D]

Well that is better why the differance in sizes on the seaside?I understand smaller crabs there but why have 2 different sizes,is there times when they can close the bigger one off?

[jack1747]

Well that is better why the differance in sizes on the seaside?I understand smaller crabs there but why have 2 different sizes,is there times when they can close the bigger one off?

No.