Florida crabbing regulations

gonefishin27 · June 26, 2014, 11:46:04 AM

I am looking for anyone who actually knows if you can use crab snares in Florida from the shore. The regulations are about as clear as mud.

ACFISHERIES · July 01, 2014, 05:36:06 PM

Quote from: gonefishin27 on June 26, 2014, 11:46:04 AM
I am looking for anyone who actually knows if you can use crab snares in Florida from the shore. The regulations are about as clear as mud.

What is a crab snare?

ACFISHERIES · July 01, 2014, 05:38:27 PM

Seems pretty clear to me...

BTW we call pots traps down here.

Gear Requirements:
Legal Gear: blue crab trap (max. 5 per person), dip or landing net, drop net, fold up trap with a volume of no more than one cubic foot, hook and line, push scrape, trotline http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/blue-crab/

ACFISHERIES · July 01, 2014, 05:42:03 PM

Quote from: ACFISHERIES on July 01, 2014, 05:36:06 PM
What is a crab snare?

Never mind I googled it...lol

gonefishin27 · July 01, 2014, 06:37:55 PM

Now you know what a crab snare is.

ACFISHERIES · July 01, 2014, 08:26:50 PM

I would say snares are not legal gear.

gonefishin27 · July 01, 2014, 09:48:20 PM

Quote from: ACFISHERIES on July 01, 2014, 08:26:50 PM
I would say snares are not legal gear.

Yes I got hold of the State of Fl and got confirmation they are not legal. which is so much Bull ship. They are pretty well legal everywhere else and a great way to catch crab from the shore.

Crabcruncher · August 27, 2014, 12:38:47 AM

If it doesn't specifically say crab snares in the regs, it will take at least a year, maybe more, to get it included. Why not leave that to the inventor and his lobbyist. I would think that he would make the effort as he has been profiting by selling what he knows is illegal gear.

Crab Shack · August 11, 2019, 11:10:17 PM

Well here it is, almost 2020 and it still isn't specifically mentioned in the FWC blue crab rules. And calling the FWC doesn't help either. Up to a year or so ago, they didn't even know what a "trotline" for crabs was! Anyone know for sure if crab snares are legal in Florida?

Crabcruncher · October 05, 2019, 05:54:08 PM

If its not included than its not legal.
A few years ago, while using topless traps, fwc officer said the only traps listed for legal use were pyramid traps. It took two years of back and forth with fwc lawyers in Tallahassee to get them included. Rd, who used to post on here, is a commercial crabber who is also on the advisory board, and he helped get them legal and listed.
They should be easy to make legal if you can find the right ear to listen.
Like I said five years ago, the inventor or seller should do this, as it benefits him.

Crab Shack · October 05, 2019, 08:26:43 PM

I spoke to two "higher ups" at the FWC in Tallahassee. The first didn't know anything about "snares" but she told me you can use anything as long as it doesn't damage the shell. (I took that to mean things like a spear gun) The second person was aware of what a crab snare is and told me it's acceptable to use.

shedking · July 05, 2020, 09:07:14 PM

I was stopped today and checked. The FWC were very nice. Never saw the ring traps before but didn't have a problem with them and hey are over 1sq ft.

Crab Shack · July 05, 2020, 11:55:47 PM

Quote from: shedking on July 05, 2020, 09:07:14 PM
I was stopped today and checked. The FWC were very nice. Never saw the ring traps before but didn't have a problem with them and hey are over 1sq ft.

Al, they let you into Florida? I guess that road block we set up for you didn't work.

shedking · July 06, 2020, 07:22:12 AM

Quote from: Crab Shack on July 05, 2020, 11:55:47 PM

Al, they let you into Florida? I guess that road block we set up for you didn't work.

We'd let you back into Maryland if you ever quit coming up with excuses. 😆

Crab Shack · July 06, 2020, 09:48:07 AM

Hey, at least I can't blame the weather for me not making it to the party this year!