Taking Crabs by Scuba

March 20, 2014

Question: I am heading to the beach this weekend, I bought a fishing license and I am planning to do some SCUBA diving. Can I take a big bag with me and collect up to 35 rock crabs from the ocean using SCUBA? (Jimmy P.)

Answer: Yes. Take of all crabs of the Cancer genus, except Dungeness crabs, but including yellow crabs, rock crabs, red crabs and slender crabs is allowed all year. While using SCUBA, crabs may be taken by hand only with no hooked devices in possession (CCR Title 114, section 29.80(g)).

The limit is 35 and the minimum size is four inches measured by the shortest distance through the body, from edge of shell to edge of shell at the widest part, except there is no minimum size in Fish and Game districts 8 and 9 (around Humboldt Bay). They may be brought to the surface of the water for measuring, but no undersize crabs may be placed in any type of receiver, kept on the person or retained in any person’s possession or under his direct control; all crabs must be measured immediately and any undersize crabs must be released immediately into the water (CCR Title 14, section 29.85 (b)(c)).

Does anyone know where to find definitions of the fish and game districts?  I searched the dfw site and didn't find it.

Does anyone know where to find definitions of the fish and game districts?  I searched the dfw site and didn't find it.

Here is what she's talking about, Marine districts which are not the same as DFG Regions:

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/districts.asp 

But yeah, confusing to anyone who just reads the reg book since it doesn't define district 8 or 9 in the book....

Are you sure you can't take dungies on scuba?

Are you sure you can't take dungies on scuba?

I don't think that's what she meant.  She was just answering the guy's question.  I'm sure you can take dungies by scuba, but only during season.

Yes. Take of all crabs of the Cancer genus, except Dungeness crabs, but including yellow crabs, rock crabs, red crabs and slender crabs is allowed all year.

29.80 and 29.85 have no restriction on using SCUBA while diving for crab.

 So there is a reference to the commercial fishing districts in the sport regs with no cross reference so we can know wtf they are talking about.

Put that on your list.

Then take that reg out back and shoot it.