pot setting question...North Carolina

[hamman]

I am a newbie here in NC and from what I have read on here, a very lucky one at that.  We set a few pots for the first time last week and didn't have the proper license to put them in the water with a float only.  We were told at a local tackle shop where we bought the pots as long as it had a legal pink float we could put one per license holder anywhere but in the center of the waterway.  Looks like I might have avoided some jailtime and fines by being overlooked by the DMF.

SO...I have been on this sight long enough to know that I wanted to become a member and get some answers.  I now realize that i need a recreational commercial license to put out a pot anywhere but tied to a pier.  What I don't know are some of the simple things that you may find crazy to ask.
Do I need to weight the pot down and if so, what is the best way? (we put a brick in them the first time)
Can they be set just off the beach  behind the breakers and would it even be worth the trouble if you can wrather than putting them in the inlet and waterway?
What is the difference(pics if available) between the different traps and how they work?
Is there a restriction on how long or short the sinkable line can be between the float and the pot?
Do crabs need to surface to breath or can they stay down for days on end?( in the ocean, not a cooler)
Is there a place or shop between Wilmington NC and Ocean Isle NC that I can stop by and learn some basics from someone that knows what they are doing?  I have gotten enough bad info from the tackle shop, I need good sources!

I know that this is a lot of questions but I am really lost and need answers before we go back in a few weeks.  The last thing I want to do is end up on the wrong side of the law, setting the pots wrong or setting them upside down or something really stupid.  Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!  Pics would also be great!

[horsefly]

Not sure how well using a pot in the ocean will work espacially near breakers. First off you definitely need what we call H irons at least 3/4" thick. I believe you have a better chance crabbing sound side waters or rivers or creeks in that area known for crabs. In gentle water just a pot will sink it's self if tossed properly it will land bait well down.  Unless they changed the law, and I am gonna check later this morn, but I think you're allowed 5 pots per licensed person, that with a recerational commercial gera license. Bouys must  be hot pink with name on them. Also no more than 100 crabs per vessel, don't hold me to that rule because it might be wrong or changed. There is a guy on here Burley who is sorta close or would have better info on those waters ya wanna crab in.  Crabs will generally live fairly long given they have good water quality and oxygen levels are right. But if there is too many in pot they can kill each other.  Your line question, good idea using sink line, but usually only need the length ya need, so normally crabbing in 15' of water you may want 25' incase crabs move deeper, you can always tie the extra line not need up close the pot and or secure it with wire ties.  Good luck!