Crab hawk modification question

As I respect the opinions of everyone here I would like to put forth the following idea.  Correct me if I am wrong, but currently the devices known as the Crab Hawk and its spin off's are considered illegal to use.  I didn't know any better last year and bought a couple for use(danielsons clones).  I have watched the crab hawk video's and and went back and read the DFG reg

(c) Crab traps shall have at least two
rigid circular openings of not less than four
and one-quarter inches inside diameter so
constructed that the lowest portion of each
opening is no lower than five inches from
the top of the trap

So which leads to ask the following question, if I were to place two rigid circular openings that met the definition above would I be able to use it legally, for some peir crabbing?  Before anyone ask why would you do that, I would point out they aren't doing me much good right now, so I might as well try and see how it works out. 

For those of you who have modified traps in the past, where or what did you use or get your 4.25 inch openeings?

http://www.petethomasoutdoors.com/2012/03/fish-and-game-q-and-a-march-22-hunting-fishing-outdoors.html

I read that, which goes back to the 2 escape ring question.  If the only thing keeping it from being legal is the escapee rings, then adding a pair, in theory, should make it legal.

SK, that was my initial thought as well.  Why couldn't you just add the two rings somewhere 5" or higher up the line to meet this gear restriction?  From the link Scott sent, their reply was:

"According to Department of Fish and Game Lt. Dennis McKiver, crab traps are required to have at least two rigid circular openings of not less than four and one-quarter inches inside diameter so constructed that the lowest portion of each opening is no lower than five inches from the top of the trap (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 29.80(c))."

Which to me is just quick way to avert the issue by stating that it doesn't meet this regulation of a trap.
So, I searched for a definition of a 'trap' and didn't see anything that said that the trap had to have celings and walls supporting the escape rings. 

So, my other thought is that I wonder if the CrabHawk designer could just change the design to meet the regulations of a hoop, instead of a trap?  Like a CrabTaco(TM!) that was round in shape that would fold up basically the same way.  I guess here the issue would become the rigidness of a folding ring.

Here are the regs for a Hoop (a)

(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.

Yeah, why not make it with teeth, sort of like a venus fly trap, and modify a few of the teeth to be an escape ring.  Shoot, I better patent that.  There are a lot of other simple mods I can think of to accomodate escape rings.

However, why use a crab hawk instead of a ring or a pot?

-Allen

@ Polepole, I have two that are sitting there.  I bought these with the thought of dropping them while I was hovering near my rings to give me something to do for that 20-45 minute soak ( I try to stay relatively close to my stuff for two reason, I can't see the damn bouy for crap, and keeps the crab burgler away).  Then I found out they are not legal so that killed that idea, so know I am wondering if modifying it similar to what many of you did with the Promar traps before they came with escapee rings would meet the criteria.

Yeah, why not make it with teeth, sort of like a venus fly trap, and modify a few of the teeth to be an escape ring.  Shoot, I better patent that.  There are a lot of other simple mods I can think of to accomodate escape rings.

However, why use a crab hawk instead of a ring or a pot?

-Allen

Allen, Last year at Crabfest there were 20+ Sea Kayakers, and kids using the Crab Hawks for their first time crabbing form a kayak. Almost every one of them caught Crabs. It was a really neat experience, and I'm super bummed they won't be able to use them this year. Here is a picture of my Mom with her first kayak crab, and the Pungo family with one of their little guys catching crab in a Crabhawk.

Yeah, why not make it with teeth, sort of like a venus fly trap, and modify a few of the teeth to be an escape ring.  Shoot, I better patent that.  There are a lot of other simple mods I can think of to accomodate escape rings.

However, why use a crab hawk instead of a ring or a pot?

-Allen

Allen, Last year at Crabfest there were 20+ Sea Kayakers, and kids using the Crab Hawks for their first time crabbing form a kayak. Almost every one of them caught Crabs. It was a really neat experience, and I'm super bummed they won't be able to use them this year. Here is a picture of my Mom with her first kayak crab, and the Pungo family with one of their little guys catching crab in a Crabhawk.

Oh, I get that they work.  But why pull up crabs 1-2 at a time when you can pull them in a dozen at a time in a ring?

-Allen

instant gratification.... No waiting

I have found a wide gap gamakatsu drop shot hook with squid on the hook usually gets into a joint or around a leg. 80% success rate in pulling a crab up. Ling's like it to. They don't usually beat the crabs to it though

instant gratification.... No waiting

I have found a wide gap gamakatsu drop shot hook with squid on the hook usually gets into a joint or around a leg. 80% success rate in pulling a crab up. Ling's like it to. They don't usually beat the crabs to it though

Great idea....except for it being illegal, and stuff.

Now after see what you guys are talking about. I have two questions. Maybe 3. One: I have seen metal flat folding traps that are sold in the store. The corners lay flat and fold up to catch the crab. Are these illegal if so why can they sell them at walk in stores. If the line breaks on both the metal trap and the crab hawk they will fold open. thus letting the crab go. Then I was given a cable trap that has a weight in the middle and hook for the bait. when you reel it up the cables makes slip loops that grabs the legs. Are these legal. crab are not the weakest thing out there. I was told they can chew threw some netting is this all BS? I live south dungie crab are in 200 feet of water and would rather use a pole and single trap.
   

On the DFG FAQ website, it says Crab Hawks are legal to buy but illegal to use. I emailed the "Ask the DFG a question," folks hoping to get an answer in a couple of days.  I will post once I know.

I am hoping i can use these in the future for some peir or surf fishing.  There are some days I don't feel like lugging a kayak and gear, I just want to sit on the beach and chill and reel in an occasional crab or two with out getting hasseled by da DFG man!

For those of you who have modified traps in the past, where or what did you use or get your 4.25 inch openeings

4" PVC conecters saw in 1/4 or 1/8" rings ID is perfect

What I do not understand. Isn't the reason for the holes in the trap. incase the trap isn't retrievable the crab can get out? If so I think the crab hawk is better because it folds open. crab are not weak. I would bet if they had slack in the line they can get out. And we have a size limit to measure crab to throw back. I understand the ring in the commercial traps. Not on these. typical Government BS trying to pass a one size law fits all.

Adding the escape rings should make them legal and the easiest way to make them is from a 4" female/female PVC connector as Mike mentioned. It is dumb though as mentioned by Seaweed. Really this type of device is closer to a snare than a crab "trap" and has almost no chance of killing crabs if lost on the bottom. Like SK, they are nice to have when you don't want to deal with the kayak, swell, wind, craburglers etc, etc, etc. You do need a semi-beefy rod to cast them though. Kind of like casting an A rig with a chicken thigh.