Question on trap type

[paddycrabby]

I would like to get some traps to use for blue crabs.  I have found some that open completely as they sit on the bottom and then you pull them up quick to capture the crab.  Is this the type that is used around here in southern Mass?  Do you need your rec lobster license to do this?  Do you have to mark these traps like lobster gear?  What brand and size do you recommend.  I do realize you do not leave this type of gear for too long and would be picking all of them up at the end of the outing.

I also saw on TV the other night blue crabbing down south somewhere where they set traps that contain the crabs like lobsters.  Can these be used and if so where does one buy them?

Thanks in advance for the help.

[crabbywaters]

Traps you set and check every 15 mins or so, they are the ones that open when they hit the bottom. Crab pots are the ones that the crabs have to climb into. Crab pots usually sit for at least 24 hrs before checking. You will have to check your local regs to see what you are allowed to use.

[masspi]

The answers you seek have been posted her many, many times................do a search and behold, the answer will be there for you.

[paddycrabby]

I did a bunch of searches on the site and am yet to come up with an answer about the marking of the trap type that opens and lays flat on the bottom.  Are these type of traps only usable with a ten pot license?   These types of traps are very similar to the star traps I have seen people use from piers and such.  I am pretty sure the people I have seen use these do not have a 10 pot rec license.

If the 10 pot license is not needed with these traps is there a limit on the number that I can use?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[paddycrabby]

Found this!  Pretty much answers all questions if it is still current.  Date is 2009.  Can someone verify it is still valid for 2012.  This should of been included in the lobster and crab guide the state puts out.


http://www.wareham.ma.us/Public_Documents/WarehamMA_Harbormaster/BlueCrabRegulations.pdf