Is It Legal to Take Lobster and Measure Them After?

November 6, 2008

Question: Is it legal to place lobsters into a receptacle (game bag) and then measure them later when on the boat or the beach? What is the criteria for hoop netters once they pull up their nets? At what point or time do they have to be measured? (Barry F., Redondo Beach)

Answer: The law is very clear here. Lobsters may be brought to the surface of the water for measuring, but no undersize lobster may be brought aboard any boat, placed in any type of receiver, kept on the person or retained in any person’s possession or under their direct control. All lobsters shall be measured immediately upon being brought to the surface, and any undersize lobster shall be released immediately back into the water (Section 29.90(c)).