1st crab trap of 2017

[ClemsonTiger]

1

 

[arew~SX230]

What kind of crabs do you catch down there? Are they like Md. Blue crabs?

 

[robert843]

Do you need a permit or anything to do that down there and what kind of bait are you using in the trap? I see lots of them here but most are commercial catching blue crab I will have to look into if thats something I can do here.

 

[robert843]

Ok so this is pretty cool I can use two pots just under my regular salt water license I'm going to have to try this. I will have to look into what bait is being used.

Crab Pots
Permits/Licenses
Saltwater Recreational Fishing License required.

Restrictions

• Licensee can fish no more than two pots recreationally. A Commercial Saltwater Fishing License, Vessel Decal, and Gear license are required for over two pots.
• If unattended each pot float must bear the name and address or license number of owner.
• No crab pot shall be left unattended in coastal waters more than 5 days.
• No crab trap or pot may be set within 200 yards of a public boat landing or launching area or set so as to be left dry at low tide.
• A float attached to a crab pot or trap must be made of solid, buoyant material which does not sink upon being punctured or cracked. The floats must be constructed of plastic, PVC Spongex, plastic foam, or cork. The primary float for a recreational pot or trap must be yellow in color and at least ten inches in length if rectangular, cylindrical, or conical and at least five inches in diameter or width. Round or spherical floats must be at least six inches in diameter. Buoy lines for crab pots must be made of nonfloating material.

 

[arew~SX230]

@robert843
Chicken and fish heads are the most common bait, some folks swear you should leave them out in the sun so they get good and stinky first.

 

[Mainah]

I don't know how things work down south but you need to be careful not to set your lobster and crab traps too close to someone else's on the coast of Maine. Lines are not the only thing that get cut. Also if you ever boat on the coast up here in jet boats like ours you will be constantly dodging trap buoys with wooden sticks.

Gosh I am hungry for fresh crab cakes now.

 

[robert843]

There are several areas here we have to dodge them in Winyah Bay so I will probably target that area since they are being caught there. What depth are you targeting @ClemsonTiger or does it depend on the water temps?

 

[arew~SX230]

@robert843, the traps like @ClemsonTiger uses are for passive crabbing, like he said, drop it leave it got a day or two. If you want to do more active crabbing or scout out a new area you can get a couple of drop side traps. You dont leave these un attended because the crabs can get in and out un obstructed. When you pull it up, the sides come up trapping the crabs inside.

 

[silverJ]

Good catch from last year. I'm more familiar with fish head as bait, chicken must be tasty for them too!

 

[tim h]

I have used chicken parts, fish parts, and pigs feet to bait for Stone crabs over here in Tampa area...
Like Allen said the stinkier the better !