Kids & Crabbing

[danbutterworth]

I was curious if anyone could give me the rules/regs on how limits and crabbing apply with children?  If I take my 5 year old crabbing in Lake Mattamuskeet, can we catch 24 crabs (12 each) - or would it be limited to just the adult's 12 crabs?

[horsefly]

I believe the rule actually means 12 per person who is "actually" crabbing, just as the rule for out in the river. That is 50 crabs per licensed person per vessel not to exceed 100 crabs daily. If you and your wife get a dozen each of those  HUGE Laker Mumbo's I am sure you will have enough for your 5 year old to eat at least one. Good luck

[NickG]

I just got on the phone and gave the good folks out at the lake a call. Explained I wanted to take my 4 year old daughter and they said the 12 crab limit is "per person" so we could take 24. I have been in the past with a neighbor and his son who was 5 at the time. The wildlife officers came up and checked our basket and never batted an eye.You will be fine. If you want to call the lake, here is their number:  (252) 926-4021

Have fun.

-Nick