Crab Loop Traps

May 6, 2021

Question: Can two crab loop traps be used simultaneously on one fishing pole? Can a fishing hook be attached to a fishing line that has a crab snare on the end?

Answer: As for your first question, yes it is legal to have two crab loop traps used simultaneously on one fishing pole. However, if you’re on a public pier, no person shall use more than two rods and lines, two hand lines, or two nets, traps or other appliances used to take crabs, per California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, section 28.65(b). Section 29.80 of CCR, Title 14, covers what gear can be used to take crabs and other crustaceans. A hook is not a legal method of take for crabs. If you’re going to use crab loop traps, you’ll need to tie the trap onto the line instead of using a hook. In conclusion, you can either have two poles with one loop trap tied on each, or one pole with two loop traps.

As for your second question, the answer is no. You cannot attach a fishing hook to a fishing line that has a crab loop trap on the end because hook and line is not a legal method of take for crabs, per CCR, Title 14, section 29.80.