Jersey non-commercial trot lines too small...

[crabbit]

Does anyone else think that 150' and 25 baits for a non-commercial trot line is too restrictive?  I realize that you can have two lines but by the time you start pulling the line Its over.

I understand the need for a non-commercial length limit to be fair to everyone else on the water.  Maryland allows for 1200' which is way too long for non-comms I think.

In the end you can only keep a bushel.

How about a 300' or 600' limit? What do you guys think?

[Ronster]

I agree it's restrictive.

[Skiff]

Does anyone else think that 150' and 25 baits for a non-commercial trot line is too restrictive?  I realize that you can have two lines but by the time you start pulling the line Its over.

I understand the need for a non-commercial length limit to be fair to everyone else on the water.  Maryland allows for 1200' which is way too long for non-comms I think.

In the end you can only keep a bushel.

How about a 300' or 600' limit? What do you guys think?

It does not work 150 ft is too short. How many people do you know that runs a trot line in NJ?  I have not meet many  ( I have one made up just have not used it yet)  I feel 300' would work   Also welcome to the site Crabbit

[Ronster]

We don't run the lines because they are too short.   

[olclamman]

   yes   the  jersey     laws  are  more  restricted  than  Maryland   but  better  than  pa  what   are  their  rules???      isn't  it  odd that  a  non residence   thinks  our   Jersey   are  too       hum mm     
                                        oc 
 

[crabbit]

   yes   the  jersey     laws  are  more  restricted  than  Maryland   but  better  than  pa  what   are  their  rules???      isn't  it  odd that  a  non residence   thinks  our   Jersey   are  too       hum mm     
                                        oc 
 

What does my living in PA, (NJ native, family tree in the Tuckahoe Inn) have to do with short trot lines?

[CaptMoose]

PA has crabs now?

[Dreampixels]

PA has crabs now?

Bottom of the page

http://www.fish.state.pa.us/fishpub/summary/delaware.html

[Skiff]

PA has crabs now?

Comm all the way up to marcus hook 

[BrianG]

PA has crabs now?

  In some sections of the city   


Brian

[tedbo]

The rule is ridiculous, as anyone who knows... it was probably put in there at the comm. restricting to keep recs. from covering greater areas.  Personally, I know the line is the cheapest way to go as far as gear, but the bait costs more and the labor in setup and storage is an issue if you don't go every week.

I might like to try a 500' line... maybe we should petition the NJDEP.

Traps on floats is the best setup for me, it's quick and surgical in it's approach to finding the crab.

[Ronster]

  In some sections of the city   


Brian

Just some? 

[Rusty Gate]

Traps on floats is the best setup for me, it's quick and surgical in it's approach to finding the crab.

Exactly the same thinking for me.....as I slowly accumlate/upgrade my string...like the sound of that,"string"....almost sounds like I know what's up! lol......to much Deadliest Catch for me!  

RG

[Ronster]

LOL!

[jason22]

Quick and surgical, great comment 

[clamster]

Does anyone else think that 150' and 25 baits for a non-commercial trot line is too restrictive?  I realize that you can have two lines but by the time you start pulling the line Its over.

I understand the need for a non-commercial length limit to be fair to everyone else on the water.  Maryland allows for 1200' which is way too long for non-comms I think.

In the end you can only keep a bushel.

How about a 300' or 600' limit? What do you guys think?

I think you can have two trotlines on your rec license  - I just tie my two to the ends of a short piece of chain (so I can argue that they not one line in case I am questioned) and lay them end to end. 

[Ronster]

That's one line.

[crabbit]

one line.  Even if they considered it 2 you would only be allowed 50 baits.

[jason22]

I think the problem is no one in NJ even knows what trotlining is, even the law makers.  In MD it's a lot different as it's been done forever but here, I ask people and they say "what's that"?.    

Maybe some of us should petition for some changes, I know Ken (crabbygramps) and I have discussed this a lot and we both agree the length is way to short because we have run it a few times over the last 2 years.  Something to look at in the off season.

[crabbit]

Where do I sign

I think the problem is no one in NJ even knows what trotlining is, even the law makers.  In MD it's a lot different as it's been done forever but here, I ask people and they say "what's that"?.    

Maybe some of us should petition for some changes, I know Ken (crabbygramps) and I have discussed this a lot and we both agree the length is way to short because we have run it a few times over the last 2 years.  Something to look at in the off season.

[crabbygramps]

  Been fighten' the NJ regs on trot lines for almost 7 years..Letters, phone calls, meetings etc.Everything falls on deaf ears. In reality, the enforcement sector of NJ fisheries hasn't got a clue..( Corporal....that is "Captain Chicatano" is lucky he has a job in the government of the state) Elsewise...he'd be sweeping floors.
 Phone calls to Albanos' office for clarification only leads to secretarial giggles and hang ups. And he is the "chair" of the "agriculture and natural resources committee".. then there's his "boss" Mr. Van Drew.(s)..
  he doesn't have a clue.. Hey NJ....wonder why things are so bad over there?? and in government as a whole...Tied both my 150s together..it..the reg states 2.. 150 foot lines..50 total baits!!! Does not say they cannot be tied together!!! If they (Chickie) and his boys want to interpret their way, ...I have the right to
 do the same....If I can put out 150 colapseable traps with "2 or 3" baits each, and break no law, then I should be able to do 50 baits on a 300' (total) trot lines. 300 ft. and 50 baits breaks no laws as far as I can see!! Been down this road before......catch me and we'll duke it out in court.......

[crabbygramps]

I think the problem is no one in NJ even knows what trotlining is, even the law makers.  In MD it's a lot different as it's been done forever but here, I ask people and they say "what's that"?.    

Maybe some of us should petition for some changes, I know Ken (crabbygramps) and I have discussed this a lot and we both agree the length is way to short because we have run it a few times over the last 2 years.  Something to look at in the off season.

   Thanks Jay !!!! You'd be surprise just how many of the Conservation officers has agreed to our argument..
 One even convinced capt chickie poo to rethink his opinion that "the total line length" anchor lines and float lines and baited trot should not exceed 150 ft. total.. a bait every 2' That would leave 60 ft with 25 baits (in 6' of water depth) to crab with...@ a 2' spacing.. "CHINESE FIRE DRILL" or cluster f#@$%#
 CG

[crabbit]

....If I can put out 150 colapseable traps with "2 or 3" baits each, and break no law......catch me and we'll duke it out in court.......

So maybe we should organize a one day protest this summer and carpet bomb the inland waterway with topless traps!  I can see the headlines now  "The NJ trotline blue crab masacre in 4 part harmony... "  I bet we can even get Capt. Moose to sponsor the event by offereing a 100 trap discount!

But seriously, I am all for conservation and regulation when it is warranted.  As long as you obey the daily limits I do not see any difference between a 1200 foot trotline and 30-100 topless traps other than 30 traps cause more of a navigation hazard.