Rod and Reel and Crab Fishing at the Same Time?

January 1, 2015

Question: Can you set crab pots from a boat, and once finished, fish with a pole as long as the fish are in season? Thanks for your help on this question (Craig J.)

Answer: Yes, there’s no fishing regulation that prohibits rod and reel fishing while you’re soaking your crab pot.

Not totally true, if your fishing/crabbing from a Pier! 

You can use up to 2 'appliances' at a time from a pier/jetty, so you could drop a trap or snare AND use another rod to fish...or drop 2 traps...or use 2 rods. But you wouldn't be able to keep any rockfish or other species that require you to use 1 rod at a time. Oh wait, maybe that's what Craig J was referring to...can you drop a trap then go catch rockfish/lings while the trap soaks?

Oh wait, maybe that's what Craig J was referring to...can you drop a trap then go catch rockfish/lings while the trap soaks?

Yes.

You just can't keep any cabezon that you happen to catch in your crab trap.

You can use up to 2 'appliances' at a time from a pier/jetty, so you could drop a trap or snare AND use another rod to fish...or drop 2 traps...or use 2 rods. But you wouldn't be able to keep any rockfish or other species that require you to use 1 rod at a time. Oh wait, maybe that's what Craig J was referring to...can you drop a trap then go catch rockfish/lings while the trap soaks?

Whoops!  For some reason I was thinking your restricted to one line on a pier.  But yes, Pat is right, as usual!