massachusetts crabing?

[snowmaker4191]

hi I'm new and I was wondering if anyone knew anything about massachusetts crab pot laws like how far off the shore do I have to be when I set my pots I know it's legal it's just the web site is very unsapsific    what is the best type of pot to use maybe 5-10 times for fun?

http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/130-38.htm

thanks
- James

[snowmaker4191]

added the link to a site about it I realy need help here
- Thanks

[snowmaker4191]

BUMP

[Black Irish]

Hi Snowmaker, I found this info by googling massachusetts crab regulations:

http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/recreationalfishing/rec_index.htm
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/publications/sportfish_guide_2005.pdf

"Recreational Shellfishing is permitted in designated clean areas and regulated by the individual
towns. Contact your town department of Natural Resources for local regulations and
permit acquisition.

Recreational Crab Fishing allows up to 50 crabs for family use per day taken by methods
other than potting. No permit needed."

[snowmaker4191]

thank you!

[unclebuttsy]

You need a recreational lobster license to set crab pots in Mass.

They get a marked buoy, just like a lobster pot.

Ketcham Traps in New Bedford makes and sells a 24" Chesapeake Bay style crab trap for about $30.

There is no distance off shore that you must be to set crab or lobster pots.

Shellfish regs do not apply to blue crabs at all.

Good luck!

[snowmaker4191]

dose mass have a limit on how many pots? or the number of crabs you can take?

[unclebuttsy]

Yes and yes.

Go to Mass. division of marine fisheries to check the regs for yourself. You can also buy your permit online.