No Early Closure in 2009?

[jack1747]

3). Chapter 4VAC20-270-et seq. “Pertaining to Crabbing”. The Commission proposes to reinstate the usual dates, March 17 through November 30, of the crab pot and peeler pot season for the harvest of female crabs. Last season there was an early closure to the season on harvesting female crabs.   

Guess they know something we don't.....   

[Mikie]

I guess they're planning on the closed winter dredge fishery to save the day.

[Mr. Breeze]

word is the winter dredge survey is looking good

[Crabby Crabber]

I have a question. Is the closed season only for peelers and females? I posted earlier that I am going out catfishing this weekend. If I was to decide to waste my time throwing a ring trap over the side ("just to see what happens") On the slight chance that I caught a crab or two, could I keep them?

There is no way that I wish to take crabs out of season! I need to make that point clear. But I was thinking of taking out a trap just to see if they were active. I fully intended to set them all back. The water on the James is only 46 degrees right now. But I was gonna be out there anyways.

Can someone tell me the rules? Going to the VDGF site is subject to to many interpretations. Does anybody out there in the Virginia realm know the rules on a lamens terms?

[Crabby Crabber]

Sorry if I posted that in the wrong room. Just thought about it as I was reading the post.

[jack1747]

I have a question. Is the closed season only for peelers and females? I posted earlier that I am going out catfishing this weekend. If I was to decide to waste my time throwing a ring trap over the side ("just to see what happens") On the slight chance that I caught a crab or two, could I keep them?

There is no way that I wish to take crabs out of season! I need to make that point clear. But I was thinking of taking out a trap just to see if they were active. I fully intended to set them all back. The water on the James is only 46 degrees right now. But I was gonna be out there anyways.

Can someone tell me the rules? Going to the VDGF site is subject to to many interpretations. Does anybody out there in the Virginia realm know the rules on a lamens terms?

Couple things, first there is no closed season on females in VA for rec's.  Second, Rec's can crab year round, 24/7, with handlines (traps, not pots).

[jefftoleft]

Hey Jack I guess they think those migrating females they are catching in pots are not as pregnant as the ones they were dredging up in the winter. If they have been fertalized they are just as likely to lay eggs in the spring as any dredged crab is.Don't you think?

[Tom Powers]

Actually I am not sure if you can harvest recreationally year round any more.  This section of regulation does not distinguish between recreational or commercial harvest.

4VAC20-270-40. Season limits.

A. The lawful season for the harvest of male crabs shall be March 17 through November 30.  The lawful season for the harvest of female crabs shall be March 17 through November 30.

[Crabby Crabber]

VIRGINIA MARINE RESOURCES COMMISSION
"PERTAINING TO CRABBING"
CHAPTER 4 VAC 20-270-10 ET SEQ.

PREAMBLE

This chapter establishes time limits, season limits, peeler pot limits and peeler and softshell crab minimum size limits for commercial crabbing in Virginia and is promulgated pursuant to authority contained in §§28.2-201 and 28.2-700 of the Code of Virginia.  This chapter amends and re-adopts, as amended, previous Chapter 4VAC20-270-10 which was promulgated May 27, 2008 and made effective on June 1, 2008. The effective date of this chapter, as amended, is February 1, 2009.

You are right, It isn't very clear. If one went by the preamble to this chapter, he would believe it only applied to the comms.

[jack1747]

Actually I am not sure if you can harvest recreationally year round any more.   This section of regulation does not distinguish between recreational or commercial harvest.

4VAC20-270-40. Season limits.

A. The lawful season for the harvest of male crabs shall be March 17 through November 30.  The lawful season for the harvest of female crabs shall be March 17 through November 30.

Well find out man....