For the longest time I have tried to find out if it is legal in Massachusetts to use a Trot Line to get crabs. After going down several dead ends, I finall connected with a person at the Division of Marine Fisheries who advised that a Recreational Crabber can use a trot line as long as the limit of 50 crabs per day is adhered to.
I believe in MD they can take up to 2 bushels a day with a Trot Line, but Massachusetts does enforce the 50 crab per day limit. No license is required for Recreational Crabbing.
A Trot Line can also be used by the holder of a Family Lobster Permit.
Hope this is helpful to anyone who thought about using a Trot Line.................sure beats "Necking" from the shore, you just need a little bit more equipment...............like a boat, line, snoods, anchors, floats, bait, etc.

For more information on Trot Lines check out
http://www.blue-crab.org/crabbing/trotline.html