In Reply to: Re: Rock crabs ... NT posted by Really? on April 25, 2011 at 11:08:20:

Special sizes and float identification requirements...

Only rock crabs 4¼ inches or more in breadth may be taken under a revocable general trap permit and Commission regulations in any waters of the state at any time, except in Districts 9, 19A, 19B, and 21 and those portions of District 20 lying on the north and east sides of Santa Catalina Island north of Southeast Rock. Fishermen must carry and use a measuring device. Rock crab traps made of wire mesh not less than 1
7/8 inch by 3 7/8 inch, inside measurement, with the 3 7/8 inch measurement parallel to the floor of the trap shall have at least one rigid circular opening of not less than 3¼ inches inside diameter in an outside wall of the rearmost chamber of the trap. All other rock crab traps must have two 3¼ inch diameter openings, in the rearmost chamber of the trap and one of such openings shall be located so that at least one–half
of the opening is in the upper–half of the trap. All rock crab traps or strings of traps must be marked with buoys bearing the commercial fishing license number issued to the operator of the trap. All traps must be serviced every 96 hours, weather at sea permitting (FGC §§8275, 8282, 8284, 9001, 9003–9006, 9011).

Also, for those of you who consider messing with commercial traps, be aware that this is illegal in California. It is unlawful to: Disturb or injure any net, trap, or other apparatus being used legally to take fish (FGC §8604).

Commercial fishermen work hard and long hours in often dangerous conditions. Let them make a decent living - at least they work for their keep.