New Dungeness Crab Marker buoy requirements

Does anyone know the reason behind the new requirement to add a 5" x 3" marker buoy to the main buoy of crab traps?

https://cdfwmarine.wordpress.com/2021/09/24/new-trap-regulations-for-recreational-crabbing-in-california/

I can't believe how expensive these small buoys can be. I found a good deal on a 12-pack of 4" x 2" but that doesn't meet the size requirement. I'm considering the following options:

1. Buy/use 4" x 2" marker buoys. They are not the full required size, but I think they demonstrate respect for the rule and a good effort

2. Cutting up an oversize red pool noodles to make small buoys.

Thoughts?

Does anyone know the reason behind the new requirement to add a 5" x 3" marker buoy to the main buoy of crab traps?

https://cdfwmarine.wordpress.com/2021/09/24/new-trap-regulations-for-recreational-crabbing-in-california/

I can't believe how expensive these small buoys can be. I found a good deal on a 12-pack of 4" x 2" but that doesn't meet the size requirement. I'm considering the following options:

1. Buy/use 4" x 2" marker buoys. They are not the full required size, but I think they demonstrate respect for the rule and a good effort

2. Cutting up an oversize red pool noodles to make small buoys.

Thoughts?

I'm currently splicing up a pilot batch of buoys with line and line clips for $10/ea to add to your existing pots with ease.  I will post a for sale thread early next week if you're interested.  Limited quantities while I feel out the marketability, but high potential that I do them more consistently thereafter.

Does anyone know the reason behind the new requirement to add a 5" x 3" marker buoy to the main buoy of crab traps?

https://cdfwmarine.wordpress.com/2021/09/24/new-trap-regulations-for-recreational-crabbing-in-california/

I can't believe how expensive these small buoys can be. I found a good deal on a 12-pack of 4" x 2" but that doesn't meet the size requirement. I'm considering the following options:

1. Buy/use 4" x 2" marker buoys. They are not the full required size, but I think they demonstrate respect for the rule and a good effort

2. Cutting up an oversize red pool noodles to make small buoys.

Thoughts?

I ordered a couple of the correct size. Don’t need to have my day ruined by not being legal. Not sure on the reason for the new marker bouys other than to show that anglers are aware of the new regulations.

Wow the price of those floats really went up. I bought some for $3.29 in 2018 and for $4 each in June and now they are $12 on Amazon! https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000AXTID Hopefully, there is a cheaper source out there somewhere.

I am lucky because the way I have been making my floats up for years already fits the new regs.

Intent not respected by the wardens, might get some consideration from the Judge if you want to try.
Suggest follow the letter of the "law".

1. Buy/use 4" x 2" marker buoys. They are not the full required size, but I think they demonstrate respect for the rule and a good effort

Sounds like a recipe for having your day on the water end on a very sour note. Just eat the cost to buy the correct buoy and have the piece of mind knowing that you're compliant.

I absolutely share your original question though since I've yet to hear a sensible explanation. In the effort to curb whale entanglements, what role does the extra buoy serve ?

Wow the price of those floats really went up. I bought some for $3.29 in 2018 and for $4 each in June and now they are $12 on Amazon! https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000AXTID Hopefully, there is a cheaper source out there somewhere.

I am lucky because the way I have been making my floats up for years already fits the new regs.

I got 5 for 29$, but it may have gone up and not sure if they will ship before opener: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072MFVHV7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

But, I think in hindsight I would have been happier using pool noodle.  So might sell mine later once I start rigging lines. 

Also it says the marker buoy has to be within 3ft or less of the main buoy.  But I guess it doesn't matter which side? Pics from the links shows it on either.

I purchased  "Kwik Tek Orange Cycle Parts Red Floats for Pools, Water Ski Ropes, Anchor Lines, Marker Buoys, Crab Traps, Boats and More 5 Pack F-5R" for total $30/$6 each.
I think they are out of them know. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072MFVHV7/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Seagulls will rip ur pool noodles buoys... to shit.

The regs are pretty specific that the main buoy has to be at least 5” diameter and 11” length, and that within 3’ of it must be a red buoy that is exactly 3” by 5”.

I don’t think they are inviting loose interpretations of the regs. I could be wrong.

found a 10 pack on line , so ordered them

what I'm unclear on, if i'm going for lobster, can I still leave the marker on? or ONLY when going for Crab?

I do not see any sense in this new requirement

Rumor has it that the purpose is so when there are whale entanglements one could quickly ID whether it was sport vs commie pot.

Seagulls will rip ur pool noodles buoys... to shit.

quite likely..

I have marker buoys on much my gear - they indicate what direction the tide/current and wind are moving, so, in turn, they also indicate what direction the line extends under water.  Very helpful when pulling up my rings/hoops because I want to approach from down wind/current so I can get right over the piece before pulling it up. 

General public/boaters can use the same observations to attempt to avoid entanglement as they navigate through gear.