The terms Pots and traps? Is a pot the same as a trap?

[Magic Tad]

The terms Pots and traps? Is a pot the same as a trap? I have 24" square pots (no trap doors ment to catch several crabs at a time They have terapin door protectors and cull rings plus panels that will rust out) can they be used I have not understood the regs with a normal crabing licence. Is it only commercial use or land owners? Not just regular crabers.   Thanks Tad

[dfran]

The terms Pots and traps? Is a pot the same as a trap? I have 24" square pots (no trap doors ment to catch several crabs at a time They have terapin door protectors and cull rings plus panels that will rust out) can they be used I have not understood the regs with a normal crabing licence. Is it only commercial use or land owners? Not just regular crabers.   Thanks Tad

You are correct Tad, recs can't use "pots" unless they own shoreline property and then they can only have 2. Traps are for recs or some comms use them.

[Magic Tad]

Thanks I just was'nt sure always could use them in jersey where I grew up.

[tugcapt]

Tad, I assume you are refering to Maryland rules. (your location says Del.)

In the rules, the definition for traps and pots are;

B. Recreational Gear—Definitions.

(1) The gear defined in this section may be used to catch crabs for recreational purposes.

(2) "Collapsible crab trap" means a manually operated, portable device:

(a) Having a flat bottom not more than 20 inches by 15 inches, and not more than four articulated sides; and

(b) Designed so that failure to apply manually exerted tension on the closing mechanism allows the crabs to escape.
(3) "Crab net ring" means netting supported by a ring-shaped rim less than or equal to 30 inches in diameter.

(4) "Crab pot" means a cube-shaped or rectangular shaped device with openings toward the inside for the entrance of crabs.
(5) "Dip net" means a mesh bag of netting or wire which is suspended from a circular, oval, or a rectangular frame attached to a handle.

(6) "Handline" means a fishing line managed primarily by hand.

(7) "Trotline" means a length of rope or line, buoyed at both ends with one or more anchors, which is baited without hooks or snares at intervals for the purpose of catching crabs.

( "Seine" means an encircling type of net which is not more than 50 feet long and 5 feet wide.


Hope this helps.

[Ronster]

Tugcapt summed it up.

[tattoo]

He sure did. 

[jack1747]

The terms, pot and trap, are used differently in different section of the county.  In the gulf a trap is a Maryland Style Pot. In the Chesapeake Bay area the first pic is a pot.  The second pic is a trap (pyramid).

[Magic Tad]

Thanks so much that makes it very clear. So many posts use both terms.

[joent3]

Sorry guys I'm a newbee , so i fully understand even though this is marketed as a collapsable crab trap it is illegal for me to use from my boat with the rec-crab decal?
http://www.austinkayak.com/products/4985/Promar-Collapsible-Crab-Fish-or-Crawdad-Trap-24x18x8.html

And these one are leagal for me to use?
http://www.e-zcatch.com/catalog?Category=Collapsible%2BCrab%2BTraps%2B

Thanks for you assistance.

[crabtracker]

not sure about Pa, but in MD, first one no, second one yes.

[joent3]

Thanks.... looks like i have a return to make   

[Grizzly36]

I didn't pay attention to the size of those traps but your paying to much anyways. You can get box traps for about $7 and topless for about $10 if you look around.  I've got box traps from walmart and a marine store. I also think theres a few guys on here that make them or advertise that are around the same price.