Maximum Number of Hoop Nets

October 3, 2013

Question: I know the maximum number of hoop nets that can be fished from a boat is 10. We take a couple of multi-day trips every year and invariably lose one or two during the trip. My question is can we carry a couple of spares on the boat to replace any we lose? (Larry H.)

Answer: Unfortunately, you may not. No more than 10 hoop nets may be possessed on a vessel (CCR Title14, section 29.80(b)).

Many of the rules are all about making it easier to enforce the regulations. It would be difficult to catch someone using more than ten hoop nets. They would have to do surveillance and catch them in the act. Waiting at the dock and counting the hoops is a whole lot easier. So many laws these days restrict the freedoms of the honest law abiding citizens in the name of stopping the criminals. The honest person can't have spare nets because the criminal would use them. 

October 3, 2013

No more than 10 hoop nets may be possessed on a vessel (CCR Title14, section 29.80(b)).

Remember, "Hoop Nets" are different for "Crab Traps"; currently, there is no restriction for the number of Crab traps that can by used by or in possesion of when fishing for crabs....

29.80. GEAR RESTRICTIONS.
(1) Hoop Net Defined: There are two types of hoop nets allowed for use. They shall be defined as:
(A) Type A: Fishing gear that is comprised of one to three rigid ring(s), with each ring measuring
no greater than 36 inches in inside diameter nor less than 10 inches in inside diameter, which is/are
connected to soft mesh thereby forming a circular-shaped net with an enclosed bottom. Lift lines shall
be attached only to the top ring. A second and third rigid ring(s) may be connected by soft mesh to the
top ring; however, each ring must be equal in size to or smaller than the ring above it. When the net is
being raised the top ring shall be above and parallel to all other rings, with the enclosed bottom portion
of the soft mesh even with or hanging below all other rings. All parts of the hoop net shall collapse and
lie flat when resting on the ocean floor in such a manner that the gear does not entrap or restrict the
free movement of crustaceans until lifted. When suspended from lift lines, the entire hoop net shall
measure no taller than 36 inches. The ring material shall not be thicker than one inch in any dimension.