Unlicensed Boats

[bluecrab]

If I read this correctly I do not need a license to crab in a boat if I catch less then 4 dozen?

"CATCH LIMITS FOR AN UNLICENSED BOAT:

    Without any licensed persons in the unlicensed boat;
        4 dozen hard crabs
        1 dozen soft crabs or peelers"

[bluecrab]

I guess I thought you could only get 2 dozen without a license.

[overdrive]

Why not spend the money and get a bushel? just saying

[jack1747]

Why not spend the money and get a bushel? just saying

Cause we are crabbers young David.   

[Ronster]

Cause we are crabbers young David.   

x2

[shedking]

Why not spend the money and get a bushel? just saying

I took this to mean why not buy the license so you can get a bushel, Not buy a bushel. Just my interpertation

[Mr. Ray III]

Why not spend the money and get a bushel? just saying

Thats one of the biggest problems MD(not sure about VA) faces, an attitude like that.  "Catch as many crabs as the license allows, regardless of how many a family can eat."  Let him catch 4 dozen, that might be all he wants/needs. 

[TAXI CRAB]

Those mumbos Ray catches 4doz is a bushel.

[bluecrab]

I was looking at the regs and was very curious about the 4 doz limit. I always thought that 2 dozen was the limit but I guess that is for non boating rec crabbers?

Why would I want to buy 2 or 4 dozen when I can gas my van @35 gallons, fill the boat @21 gallons and drive 2 hours (each way) to go catch crabs in my boat!
Sometimes things are not always about the money.

Funny after my daughter was born I was going to sell the boat so we could have more $$$.
My wife said "It's not about the money, Its how you are when you come back from a day or few on the water."
I still have my boat.

I always pay for my license even though most of the times I take less then what my license says I can.
And why in the world would I do that!!! :-).

After all that gassin' and all that drivin' and all that crabbing, sometimes I just wanna have a FEW crabs and beer.
yeah I know I can pick/pack for the winter and we do that too. I can take some cold jimmies to work for lunch the next day.

We do not always need to fill the bushel.
Plus by the time I get what I need another crabber can come take my spot and enjoy the resource.

blue

[njjoe_II]

Thats one of the biggest problems MD(not sure about VA) faces, an attitude like that.  "Catch as many crabs as the license allows, regardless of how many a family can eat."  Let him catch 4 dozen, that might be all he wants/needs. 

That is an excellent point (but you already knew that    ).

Years ago during my first (and only) experience with trot-lining in Maryland I was surprised when Charles, my friend who owned both the boat and trot line, called it a day before the bushel was completely filled.  I thought it was a crazy decision at the time especially when we were pulling in crabs quicker than I thought possible, but he later explained we had caught enough for dinner.  Now I realize he was just a responsible crabber. 

Take just enough for today so there will be more for tomorrow. 

-njjoe

[Grizzly36]

The most I caught last season was 3 dozen and i worked for them.  Did it several times and it was always more than enough for my family.  Everyone only ever seemed to eat 3 or 4 if that. I wouldn't wast them but it seems any more than that wasn't necassary. I'd like to catch more so we can have some for the freezer.  Right about now I'd love some crab that i caught, the store bought stuff just doesn't seem the same.  I know at $15-20 a pound its still cheapper than gas, bait and time but as i've gotten older it just seems to taste better knowing i caught it.

[bluecrab]

The most I caught last season was 3 dozen and i worked for them.  Did it several times and it was always more than enough for my family.  Everyone only ever seemed to eat 3 or 4 if that. I wouldn't wast them but it seems any more than that wasn't necassary. I'd like to catch more so we can have some for the freezer.  Right about now I'd love some crab that i caught, the store bought stuff just doesn't seem the same.  I know at $15-20 a pound its still cheapper than gas, bait and time but as i've gotten older it just seems to taste better knowing i caught it.

yes I do love picking a bushel for the freezer, and boy they do taste better when you catch them yourself.
most of the time a few dozen does the trick.
I once went on a BCA members boat that let me fish his pots.
After seeing how he did it I try to keep the best #1's only and throw the rest back.
Also no whities!! I see guys catch nothing but whities!!.

I think I just have become more discriminating when crabbing.

I just wish I was a better softies rec crabber!!
Still have not figured how to dial them in at my regular fishing spot.


 

[on the hook]

Limit used to be 2 doz/person, max 4doz/boat without liscense. So, per person IS 2 doz, but even 10 people on boat is still 4 doz.  Not sure if this is the answer, but how I read your question

[bluecrab]

Limit used to be 2 doz/person, max 4doz/boat without liscense. So, per person IS 2 doz, but even 10 people on boat is still 4 doz.  Not sure if this is the answer, but how I read your question

Ahh ok, so if it is just ME in the boat then I am only allowed 2 doz w/out license?

Blue

[bassman349]

I believe you are limited to the equipment you can use without a license also.  No trotline and only 9 or 10 traps.

[bluecrab]

right understood I was just inquiring about that specific reg
thx
blue

[overdrive]

haha no, i ment why not just buy the crab license for the boat.