Lobster requirements from piers
- Thread starter SC McCarty
- Start date
I do not hoop for lobsters (that's Hashem's specialty) . However, I don't think you need a license to buy a lobster card. Everyone who does take lobsters, including those under 16, still must buy a lobster card ($9.46) and then return the card or report on line the results by April 30.
Remember that you can only use two hoops for lobsters on a pier (versus five if you are on a boat) and all other regulations including season date, size, and limits (7) are in effect.
Remember that you can only use two hoops for lobsters on a pier (versus five if you are on a boat) and all other regulations including season date, size, and limits (7) are in effect.
Season lasts till mid march. Usually it is good early in the season till the amount of legals around the pier is thinned out. After a few weeks the crowds start to go away and the fishing usually improves as more lobsters move in and the fishing pressure is less. As a diver I can tell you lobsters move around way more than most people think.
Thank you both for your replies. I am sorry it took so long for me to get back. I have a license, so it doesn't really matter to me, but I have been taking a friend pier fishing, who is intrigued by the idea of catching lobster.
There are two types of nets available. The one with the wider ring on top seems that it would make a better landing net for large fish. The one with a smaller top ring, supported above the bottom seem like it would better prevent lobster from escaping when you start to lift the net. Can anyone weigh in on this.
Steve
There are two types of nets available. The one with the wider ring on top seems that it would make a better landing net for large fish. The one with a smaller top ring, supported above the bottom seem like it would better prevent lobster from escaping when you start to lift the net. Can anyone weigh in on this.
Steve
Some good information is already posted, but below is a short summary:
Everybody needs a lobster card and a gauge. Cards must be filled with exception of catch number before putting net in the water.
Seven legal lobsters are the possession limit. Which means after consumption of the seven, the lobster hooping can commence.
No license required to buy lobster card for pier.
Two nets maximum per lobster card on the pier.
Old style hoop nets are good for landing fish, less than ok for lobster. I can explain later if asked.
Eclipse nets which are cone shaped and collapse for transportation are better for lobster hooping, but not landing fish.
Ambush net which is a welded version of conical nets are great for lobster hooping, but not landing fish. They take more space in the car.
In southern California, no “traps” are allowed for lobster or crab fishing.
For more detail, consult F&W booklet or website.
I learned a lot on this website from others, in particular Dumpha Ben about catching lobsters.
Everybody needs a lobster card and a gauge. Cards must be filled with exception of catch number before putting net in the water.
Seven legal lobsters are the possession limit. Which means after consumption of the seven, the lobster hooping can commence.
No license required to buy lobster card for pier.
Two nets maximum per lobster card on the pier.
Old style hoop nets are good for landing fish, less than ok for lobster. I can explain later if asked.
Eclipse nets which are cone shaped and collapse for transportation are better for lobster hooping, but not landing fish.
Ambush net which is a welded version of conical nets are great for lobster hooping, but not landing fish. They take more space in the car.
In southern California, no “traps” are allowed for lobster or crab fishing.
For more detail, consult F&W booklet or website.
I learned a lot on this website from others, in particular Dumpha Ben about catching lobsters.
Thanks for the replies,
Mahigeer wrote:
"Old style hoop nets are good for landing fish, less than ok for lobster. I can explain later if asked. "
I assumed that they might be a problem, because a startled lobster could escape with a flick of its tail before the sides come up. Any elaboration would be welcome.
Steve
Mahigeer wrote:
"Old style hoop nets are good for landing fish, less than ok for lobster. I can explain later if asked. "
I assumed that they might be a problem, because a startled lobster could escape with a flick of its tail before the sides come up. Any elaboration would be welcome.
Steve
I assumed that they might be a problem, because a startled lobster could escape with a flick of its tail before the sides come up. Any elaboration would be welcome. Steve
That is what is believed. I have seen video of lobsters escaping during the pull to a boat in those nets.
The other issue is that the bottom ring that holds the bait or the bait box can sit close to the edge of the top ring. Lobsters can sit outside of the big ring reaching the bait box.
The solution is a special cage with two large clips that are attached to the top ring. That way no matter where the lower, smaller ring lands the bait box is always in the center of the big ring.
The conical hoop nets have become so popular that F&W was thinking of banning it. I went to a meeting for discussion of that issue at their headquarters. There were commercial lobster fishermen representatives that were very interested in the banning possibility.
So far they are legal to use.
That is what is believed. I have seen video of lobsters escaping during the pull to a boat in those nets.
The other issue is that the bottom ring that holds the bait or the bait box can sit close to the edge of the top ring. Lobsters can sit outside of the big ring reaching the bait box.
The solution is a special cage with two large clips that are attached to the top ring. That way no matter where the lower, smaller ring lands the bait box is always in the center of the big ring.
The conical hoop nets have become so popular that F&W was thinking of banning it. I went to a meeting for discussion of that issue at their headquarters. There were commercial lobster fishermen representatives that were very interested in the banning possibility.
So far they are legal to use.
Last edited: