Traps in Connecticut

[DjSaneR]

Newbie crabber here.  The last time I went crabbing was when I was a child using string, chicken and a net down in Niantic.  Now that I have my own family I'm looking to expose my kids to some of the same activities I loved when I was a child.

I'm a bit confused as to what types of traps are legal in CT?  I was about to buy this or something similar: http://cgi.ebay.com/Commercial-Grade-Heavy-Duty-Crab-Pot-Trap-/360383794634?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53e88c4dca

If it's not legal which ones are?  Which ones are the most effective? 

Also, I read that you are not allowed to leave a crab trap unattended.  While fishing on my boat, am I allowed to toss a pot attached to a buoy to soak or is that considered unattended?  I doubt we'd be further than 20' from the buoy since we'll be anchored.

Thanks,
DJ

[DjSaneR]

Just picked up this trap from Cabela's in East Hartford. The salesman said it's legal.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Promar-Crab-Traps/737969.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dcrab%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=crab&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

[Ron]

I'm having a hard time finding in the CT regs where it says you can use anything other than a manually operated trap in CT.   Maybe I am missing it in my quick scan of the regs.

[SHELLFISH]

CT allows ring style traps and collapsable style traps.
They must be monitored by the owner.
No leaving the traps untended.

There was a specific citing stating the use of "Maryland style traps are prohibited".
I saw some of those for sale in a sporting goods store here and tried to find the specific CT regs again to show the owner.         I couldn't find them!   
They were there becuse those style traps caught Diamondback Terrapins too.

[DjSaneR]

Thanks for the info, fellas. 

So I went down to the DEP docks in Old Saybrook on Sunday but unfortunately came up empty handed.  Hopefully I'll have some better luck this weekend.  Still trying to figure out where to go. 

[DjSaneR]

CT allows ring style traps and collapsable style traps.

Are these the type you're talking about?

Collapsable - http://www.cabelas.com/product/Franklin-Crab-Trap/737070.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dcrab%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=crab&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

Another Collapsable - http://www.cabelas.com/product/Promar-Collapsible-Crab-Traps/701796.uts?WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

Ring Style - http://www.cabelas.com/product/Promar-Eclipse-Hoop-Net-and-Rigging-Kit/739341.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch%2F%3FN%3D%26No%3D0%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dcrab%26Ntx%3Dmode%252Bmatchall%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts%26WTz_st%3D%26WTz_stype%3DSP%26form_state%3DsearchForm%26search%3Dcrab&Ntt=crab&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

[Chet]

The trap in the top link is definitely legal - been using them since as long as I can remember. It's similar to the MD-style recreational trap with the 4 fold-down doors, except there's a top on this one (which unfortunately prevents you from stacking them for easier storage/transport).

I'd guess the trap in the second/middle link is illegal and defintely wouldn't risk it, because it doesn't seem like the crabs could easily escape, if at all.

And as for the last one, I don't know for sure, although it does seem legal because before you pull it up it would be flat on the bottom and the crab(s) could just get right off it and wouldn't be stuck in there.

As for leaving traps "unattended," that language is written to prevent those commercial traps that are left for a day or two and crabs are stuck (and can die) in there. If you want to leave box traps around docks or out in the water with floats, as long as you're in the broader area (within sight) you should be OK.

[crabin in ct]

i wouldnt use the promar traps in ct ,i the the dep would give you a hard time

[Ron]

Based on the regulations, B does not appear to be a legal trap.    It says "manually operated" and that thing will catch crabs without help from a human being...

[Aar684]

I crab in CT often and use topless traps. I've been stopped by DEP before on boat safety checks and they have never said anything about the traps so I would assume they are fine.

[Ron]

They require manual operation.     

[mako20cc]

People use Maryland style crab POTS. Tied off the back of there boat docks all the time. I have seen quite a few. Probably isn't legal.However I have witnessed this. They tie it underneath the dock with heavy mono so you can't see it. Only if you know It's there.And they will catch overnight in a good marina. Never heard of anyone at my area getting into trouble. And the local cops keep ther boat there. But they are not DEP.    MAKO.

[DjSaneR]

OK thanks for your input, everyone.  I emailed the DEP and sent them the link to the trap that I have and it is in fact illegal. Looks like I'll be going back to Cabelas to return this trap.  Bummer.. Seemed like a really good trap.

LOL, I'm lucky I didn't get in trouble. I was using it off of the DEP docks this past Sunday! Good thing it was raining and no one was out.

[cedar999]

OK thanks for your input, everyone.  I emailed the DEP and sent them the link to the trap that I have and it is in fact illegal. Looks like I'll be going back to Cabelas to return this trap.  Bummer.. Seemed like a really good trap.

LOL, I'm lucky I didn't get in trouble. I was using it off of the DEP docks this past Sunday! Good thing it was raining and no one was out.

I've spoken with and emailed the DEP and EnCon police in the past and was told by both that basically no one knows exactly where the line is.  But I agree that that trap could get you in trouble. I had originally asked them in relation to the crab hawk (shudder! not using it or looking for flames!!) and was told to just stick with the box and pyramid style metal traps or the open ring nets to be safe.  No problem officer!

You know Niantic? If so try that ancient tackle/ammo shop on main street, west of the elementary school on the south side. Run by a nice older couple.

-Paul

[DjSaneR]

You know Niantic? If so try that ancient tackle/ammo shop on main street, west of the elementary school on the south side. Run by a nice older couple.

Is that the place right by the draw bridge near the Blackhawk?

[cedar999]

Is that the place right by the draw bridge near the Blackhawk?

I don't know that bridge.  The place I have in mind is between exits 72 and 73 off 95 way down on main street.  If coming from the west, take exit 72 down the Rocky Neck connector and then go left/east on main street.  The shop will be on the right/south side of the road a mile or two or three away, advertising bait and ammo. Looks like a broken down old shack, but it is my favorite tackle shop ever - he still carries lead molds and hot pots, feels like you walked back 50 years.

I do think you'd do better ordering from Capt. Moose, but maybe this local source will work out? If he doesn't have what you need I'd guess he'd have some pretty good advice on where to go locally. Otherwise, Capt. Moose for sure...  I just received some traps from him and you are welcome to check them out anytime you are in the area - I am in Clinton.

Good luck,
Paul

[DjSaneR]

Thanks, Paul. I'm headed to Niantic today so I will look for the store.