topless collapsible traps in NC

[SimplyBlueCrabs]

Just want to make sure:
Can a person with a regular saltwater fishing license (no crabbing license) legally use topless (collapsible) traps, PLACED FROM A BOAT, in North Carolina? This would mean using floats with the traps. If so, I assume one would have to stay relatively close to the area, not just leave the traps and return?

[Crabpot Man]

District Three
Southern Area from Cape Carteret, New River, Cape Fear River, Wilmington to the S.C. line.
Contact: Capt. Jason Walker
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 800-248-4536 or 910-796-7220

[SimplyBlueCrabs]

Thanks for the lead, Crabpot Man.
My email and reply from Capt. Walker follows, providing written clarification for topless (collapsible) crab pot use in NC.

NC Marine Patrol, District Three (Southern Area: Cape Carteret, New River, Cape Fear River, Wilmington to the SC line).
Capt. Jason Walker
Email: [email protected]

Hello, Jason Walker,

I would like to get accurate information on crabbing.
Per NC regulations:
"Individuals do not need a license to use collapsible crab traps so long as the largest open dimension is no larger than 18 inches and the traps are designed to collapse at all times when in the water, except when they are being retrieved from or lowered to the bottom."

Can a person legally use multiple topless (collapsible) crab traps, PLACED FROM A BOAT, in North Carolina? This would mean using floats with the traps. If permissible, is the crabber required to stay relatively close to the area, not just leave the traps and return?

Thank you for your inquiry.  You are correct about the collapsible crab traps.  The only regulation we have is the 18 inches and that they collapse into a two dimensional structure when set.  There is no limit on the number of traps nor is there an attendance requirement.  You would not be able to set them in any marked navigable channel.   You would be allowed to use floats on your traps.  The daily limit on Blue Crab is 50 per person with a minimum length of 5 inches.
Please call or reply if you have further questions.
Jason Walker

[Brianczaw]

Thanks for the lead, Crabpot Man.
My email and reply from Capt. Walker follows, providing written clarification for topless (collapsible) crab pot use in NC.

NC Marine Patrol, District Three (Southern Area: Cape Carteret, New River, Cape Fear River, Wilmington to the SC line).
Capt. Jason Walker
Email: [email protected]

Hello, Jason Walker,

I would like to get accurate information on crabbing.
Per NC regulations:
"Individuals do not need a license to use collapsible crab traps so long as the largest open dimension is no larger than 18 inches and the traps are designed to collapse at all times when in the water, except when they are being retrieved from or lowered to the bottom."

Can a person legally use multiple topless (collapsible) crab traps, PLACED FROM A BOAT, in North Carolina? This would mean using floats with the traps. If permissible, is the crabber required to stay relatively close to the area, not just leave the traps and return?

Thank you for your inquiry.  You are correct about the collapsible crab traps.  The only regulation we have is the 18 inches and that they collapse into a two dimensional structure when set.  There is no limit on the number of traps nor is there an attendance requirement.  You would not be able to set them in any marked navigable channel.   You would be allowed to use floats on your traps.  The daily limit on Blue Crab is 50 per person with a minimum length of 5 inches.
Please call or reply if you have further questions.
Jason Walker

Good info!!  Thanks for posting...