Trap or pot?

[Old Newclaw]

My cousin in S. Florida sent me two of these from an online retailer, but I can’t figure out if its a trap or a pot. What do you think? It isn’t a cube and it collapses, but not like the box traps I have which collapse in the water.

I’m trying to determine whether I need a pot license. Fwiw I do not plan to leave them unattended.

[Mikie]

Contact your State authorities. My opinion would be it's the same as a commercial pot - crabs go in and are caught without someone having to pull a rope, close the doors, etc..

[Wallco99]

I would label that a pot if I had to choose.

[Capt. Frank]

If it does not allow free crab access to come and go it should be a "pot" requiring a rec or commercial license.  The rec license is only $2 for 2 pots... cheap by jersey standards for fees.

I think you are required to add a terrapin turtle excluder too.  It's a rectangular plastic slot to prevent turtle shell fitting inside and they drown as amphibians unable to get to surface for air.

[Mguy1]

https://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/pdf/non-comm_crabpot_regs.pdf

See "crab pots and trot lines defined".  I'm not sure this qualifies as a crab pot in NJ.

Turtle excluder info is also included in the link above.