Baited and Unbaited Crab Traps. How Many Count?

November 29, 2012

Question: If I go out alone and I have 10 hoop nets on my boat, but I only have five baited nets, am I ok or do I need to remove the unbaited nets to comply? (Anonymous)

Answer: No more than five hoop nets may be possessed by a person when taking spiny lobster or crab. However, if there are two or more persons on your boat, you may have up to, but not exceed, a total of 10 hoop nets on board when taking spiny lobster or crab (California Code of Regulations Title 14, sections 29.80(b)(1)(A) or (b)(1)(B)). These restrictions apply whether or not the nets are baited.