Dungeness Crab

Summary of Northern California Hoop Net Regulations

North of Point Arguello, Santa Barbara County Hoop Net Allowance: unlimited.

o Except on public piers you cannot use more than two (2) rods and lines, two (2) hand lines, or two (2) nets, traps or other legal devices (including hoop nets) to take crabs.

• Service Interval (statewide): Hoop nets must be serviced every 2 hours; it is unlawful to abandon or leave unchecked a hoop net for more than 2 hours. Any hoop net left unchecked or abandoned for more than 2 hours may be seized.

• Surface Buoy Marking Requirements (statewide): A surface buoy is required for hoop nets used offshore (does not include piers and jetties). Surface buoys are to be marked as follows:

1. CPFV – vessel registration number,

2. Licensed Guide – ID Number,

3. For all other cases – Operator’s 10-digit GO ID Number simplify with at least one GO ID for multiple operators).

Statewide Legal Hoop Net Configurations

Fishing gear that is comprised of one (1) to three (3) 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 non-metallic 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 non-metallic soft mesh to the top ring; however, each ring must be equal in size to or smaller than the ring above it.

Summary of Northern California Hoop Net Regulations

• 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 non-metallic 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 (1) inch in any dimension.

• Fishing gear that is comprised of two (2) rigid rings (not including the bait ring), with the bottom ring measuring no greater than 36 inches in inside diameter and the top ring measuring no less than 15 inches in inside diameter.

• The top ring shall be connected to the bottom ring and supported by no more than six (6) rigid straight support arms, and the assembled frame shall measure no more than 10 inches tall.

• The rings and support material shall not be thicker than one (1) inch in any dimension.

• All rings shall be connected by non-metallic soft mesh, thereby forming a net with an enclosed bottom.

• Lift lines shall be attached only to the top ring.

• When suspended from lift lines the enclosed bottom portion of the net shall be even with or hanging below all other rings, and the entire net shall measure no taller than 30 inches.

• It is unlawful to have any entrances below the top ring.

• A bait ring may be used if it is attached to the bottom half of the net and is not attached to any part of the rigid frame.

Minimum Size Limit (must possess a measuring device) 5 ¾” measured as the shortest distance through the body from edges of shell directly in front and excluding lateral spines. Daily Bag/Possession Limit 10