Lobster requirements from piers

SC McCarty

Well-Known Member
#1
I know that lobster cards are required to take lobsters from piers. Is a fishing license require to get a lobster card? Also, how long does lobster season last, as a practical matter from piers. Do keepers get fished out quickly at the start of the season?

Steve
 

Ken Jones

Administrator
Staff member
#2
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.
 

Makairaa

Well-Known Member
#3
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.
 

Ken Jones

Administrator
Staff member
#4
I've also heard they move into deeper water as it gets more into the winter months which can mean less lobsters around the shallow-water piers.
 

SC McCarty

Well-Known Member
#5
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
 

Makairaa

Well-Known Member
#6
The style of net is kind of personal preference. I know people who swear by both. As long as you make a steady fairly fast pull both work fine. From a pier having one of each may be the way to go so you can use the flat one as a landing net when not fishing lobsters.
 

Mahigeer

Senior Member
#7
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.
 

SC McCarty

Well-Known Member
#8
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

Senior Member
#9
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.
 
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