New to crabbing in MA

[Mark27]

hey i'm new to massachusetts and a little confused with the law here.  i've read online that i don't need a license or permit if i'm using a collapsable trap like a ring or a star trap, as long as the crabs can come and go.  is that true?  or do i need to buy a lobster and crabbing permit?  also where is a good place to crab in Mass.  i've heard the cape cod canal can be good.  any help would be appreciated.  thanks!

mark

[BlueBill]

Hi,

I too would appreciate any information on this. I have some friends in ma who have talked about crabbing off and on.

thank you.

[Ron]

Welcome aboard.

Here is a link that will lead you to MA's crabbing regulations.

http://www.bluecrab.info/forum/index.php/topic,26911.0.html

[masspi]

No permit when using hand lines, scap nets or collapsing traps or topless traps.  You only need the permit when using the full crab trap.

If you looked a little more on the site, you will see a post that talks about SE Mass crab maps...........take a read and send me your e-mail and I will send you a set of maps showing places to crab.

I am not saying there are no Blue Crabs in the Canal, but how you would get them legally is beyond me.............RobC will tell you that as he lobsters there all the time.  Stick to the places on my maps and you will get some crab and take the time to read some of the earlier posts regarding crabbing in MA.  Anything you could possibly think to ask has already been asked.............search, read and fill your bucket.