NJ Crab Pot and Trotline Regulations

[Ron]

The link to NJ crab pot and trotline regulations is below.

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/pdf/marine_noncomcrabapp-regs.pdf


Keep in mind you need the $2.00 recreational crab pot license in order to use up to two pots or run a trotline in NJ.    The link the Marine Fisheries licensing page is below.

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/marinelicenses.htm

[sheddercrab]

Ron ............ I have 2 pots and 2 trotlines  ?   How's that wash out ?

[Ron]

I don't think it's an either/or situation, but would check with the Nacote Creek F&W office to be sure...

[flounderpounder]

I know line is 125' but what is gear allowance for the traps? how many can I use? and its 24 hr crabbing correct ?

[CaptMoose]

No limit on # of traps & no time restrictions Jeff.

[mr_video]

Just to clarify, if you use the traps that the sides drop, you can use as many as you want, but the enclosed (lobster) type traps you are limited to 2 per permit.  Is that correct ?

Also, since I haven't used a side drop trap since I was a kid off the dock, is the method off a boat to drop them in a line, go back and pull them, empty and redrop... ?

[Ron]

Just to clarify, if you use the traps that the sides drop, you can use as many as you want, but the enclosed (lobster) type traps you are limited to 2 per permit.  Is that correct ?

Correct

Also, since I haven't used a side drop trap since I was a kid off the dock, is the method off a boat to drop them in a line, go back and pull them, empty and redrop... ?

Yes.   

[greg.dassing]

Does NJ require the use of TED's in crab pots?

[Ron]

Does NJ require the use of TED's in crab pots?

Yes, under certain conditions it's required.

ALL commercial style crab pots set in any body of water less than 150' wide at mean low water in any man made lagoon, must include terrapin excluder devices securely fastened in all funnel entrances.

[greg.dassing]

I plan on building one and tying it to the slip dock of the house I'm renting in Stone Harbor next week so I'm pretty sure the environmental question is covered but is the build design on this site considered a commercial style? Also, would local bait shops sell the $2 recreational pot license or does that have to be purchased directly through the state? It doesn't look like I can purchase one online so I really hope I can get one locally in NJ...

[Ron]

Different places sell them.   Easier to buy them online and print out.

[greg.dassing]

I tried but the link at the top of this thread does have an active link to the pot license making me think I could only register for one through the mail...am I going to the correct site?

[Ron]

http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/als/websalesintro.htm

[greg.dassing]

Ok, great! Thank you so much for all of your help!!

[Dae]

Just to be sure that it still holds true.. you only need the 2 pot license if one is use a commercial type crab pot and/or trot line.  If using hand lines, rings, and/or collapsible traps, no license is required...  24 hr crabbing is still allows??

Thanks!

[salt hay]

Just to be sure that it still holds true.. you only need the 2 pot license if one is use a commercial type crab pot and/or trot line.  If using hand lines, rings, and/or collapsible traps, no license is required...  24 hr crabbing is still allows??

Thanks!

. Yes

[mannyrem]

How many traps or hand lines are allowed crabbing from a dock in nj.

[Mag]

As many as you can manage

[mannyrem]

thank you.

[exasperatus2002]

For an open top trap in NJ, besides having a tag w/my info on the trap, will a pool noodle suffice for the buoy?