Crabbin VA/MD coastal - crabs across the line?

[TerpHeels]

Just got the keys on my new home down in Captains Cove VA and want 2 start crabbin. Well the VA coastal crabbin regs r tough, only allowed 2 pots, no trotline or traps. Well the MD border is only a couple miles up the sound which allows me 2 600' trotlines and 10 traps.

So what do u guys think, is it illegal 2 crab in MD waters and bring the crabs back 2 the dock in VA? Folks do it all the time w/rock.

[Paramedic0633]

I was under the impression that a crab trap was considered the same as a handline. Maybe I've interpreted the regulation incorrectly. I have a lot in the Northern Neck and always used 2 crab pots per person (except on a pier) and an unlimited number (usually around 10) of topless crab traps. Can someone please interpret the new laws ?

[rgminer]

We have a house at Captain's Cove as well and I crab there several times each year. Virginia has no limit on the number of rings or collapsible traps. You can use all you like. If you want to use a trot line let me suggest Pernell Bay. Go north from the cove and past Greenbackville harbor. Once past the harbor you will see a large bay to your left. About 1/3 of it is in Virginia and there are can bouys marking the state line. Once inside of Maryland you can run your line anywhere, although I suggest heading toward the channel markers that mark the George's landing channel. The water there averages 4.5-5 feet deep and we do well in that area with the line (not directly in the channel). If you decide to use your collapsible traps in MD remember you are only allowed 25 with 2 people on board. The size limit remains 5" all season long and there is no closed day or time to crab, unlike the Chesapeake bay.

If you want to use pots in VA you are allowed 2 per person. A good place to lay place them is just past the markers that mark the entrance to the marina and club house. Be sure not to drop them in the channel there. Be prepared to get a lot of sea grass this time of year. Next month you will also catch a lot of sponge crabs.

it is NOT illegal to bring MD caught crabs into VA as long as you go directly to the ramp or your dock with the crabs.

[TerpHeels]

rgminer, VMRC told me traps were illegal from a boat but not from a dock???? They have a rec license for $10 that allows u 2 run a 300' trotline in VA but the MD option sounds better.

Appreciate the word on the location out of the Cove. When do u start? Water was only low 60's yesterday. So I'm allowed 2 pots per person, not just 2 for the boat, that's good 2 hear.

[rgminer]

I assume you mean pots from the dock not the boat? I have been running recreational pots from my boat for the last 23 seasons and never heard that. I just looked at the regs again and it says nothing about dock only. Be careful who you speak to at the VMRC, in fact, if you want the best information, call the Virginia Marine Police directly and ask them. Most of the people who work for VMRC are pencil pushers who wouldn't know a regulation if it bit them in the a$$

as for when do we start...well...last weekend we soaked 8 pots (there are 4 of us) for 2 days and caught 3 dozen, and yesterday I pulled the pots after a 24 hour soak and got 2 dozen...so if you have pots, I would go ahead and use them now...Traps might be a little slow this time of year, but when that water temp starts hovering around 68-70 you should be good to go. Again though, expect to get a LOT of sea grass. There have been a lot of storms this spring and the grass is thick.

I cut and paste this line directly from the VMRC regulation web page....

* It is unlawful for any person to use more than two crab pots recreationally, or more than two eel pots when licensed for recreational purposes [4 VAC 20-670-30].

there is a permit required for the eel pots, none for the 2 crab pots.