crab business

[ChrisBalt]

Do the commercials crabbers belong to an association? Anyone know what is involved in buying a crab business? Other than the equipment, what;s involved in getting the license? Thanks all, Chris.

[cw4340]

what state its a closed fishery in alot of them

[ChrisBalt]

Well, I'm here in Baltimore and my buddy's kid worked on  a crab boat last year ( he since has moved) I saw a 40' Baybuilt in the paper for 10k. I always wanted to try carabbing professionally.

[jack1747]

Somebodies gotta die and will their license to ya

[ChrisBalt]

Well last year somebody did die and his wife sold the boat and license but I wasn't in the loop. Helluva way to get a license.

[Tom Powers]

The fishery is closed to new entrants in Virginia, now and likely for the next three years.  You can transfer under certain cercumstances, such as when someone is getting out of the business.  From time to time you see licenses for sale in the trading post and in the paper.  The following link on the VRMC web page that has contact info for individuals who want to sell crab licenses.  You can post your info there.

http://www.mrc.state.va.us/othrlics.htm

BTW you also have to have a commercial card.  The normal route is is to apply pay your $150 and wait two years for the card.

Tom

[Tom Powers]

Oh and to answer your question about associations.  There are several watermen's associations in Virginia mostly they are regional in nature.  There is a list of the Virginia ones at:

http://www.mrc.state.va.us/watermanassoc.htm

Tom

[ChrisBalt]

Thanks for the info Tom, I surely appreciate it, Chris.

[daryl]

it all depends where you are at some time you can buy a liscence from some one who is going out of business.  Personal i would never buy and pay alot of money for a boat and not get a lisence with it the going price for a lisence verys from area to area. you may want to look in maryland for a lisence before you buy the boat