Chester River

[salty sam]

Up in the creeks today to keep out of the wind. Did OK but the little ones were eating the baits big time. Crabs seemed to come in small bunches in 7-11'.

This post isn't so much about the crabbing but an interesting situation upon return to the ramp. Saw 2 DNR trucks at the ramp. They were inspecting everyones baskets upon coming out of the water. Haven't seen this before but it's nice to see them keeping everyone honest. Very courteous and professional. One group was not having a good day as they had a number of undersized crabs with each one worth a $50. citation. These poor guys didn't hardly have a bushel and the small ones were pitched back and the group had over $400 in fines. They were measuring every one in that group.

John

[Burchbeer]

KNow the regs!

[Michael Smith]

They were at the the Wye mills boat today as well.

[crabby and son]

I bought a $10.00 plastic floating measuring device and measure every crab in the cull basket before it goes into the keeper basket. It's nice when they are running good where you don't need to measure but that hasn't been the case lately...........Gary

[rj]

Hint:
When placing crabs into a container for culling purposes,,Do not use a basket--use a container that is obviously for culling purposes,,, if they are in ypour baskets,,many DNR officers will consider them to be in your possession.!!

[crabby and son]

Hint:
When placing crabs into a container for culling purposes,,Do not use a basket--use a container that is obviously for culling purposes,,, if they are in ypour baskets,,many DNR officers will consider them to be in your possession.!!

I hear ya Rich but I cull my crabs after every run of the line. I cull them into an orange basket and put keepers in a bushel basket. I guess I could write culling basket on it but if they want you bad enough......they got you. that's why we have a court system.............Gary

[Brianczaw]

Hint:
When placing crabs into a container for culling purposes,,Do not use a basket--use a container that is obviously for culling purposes,,, if they are in ypour baskets,,many DNR officers will consider them to be in your possession.!!

Milk crate works great as a cull basket..

[LILY]

Are we still under the 5 1/4 or are we now at 5 inches?

Phil (lily)

[POLECAT]

Are we still under the 5 1/4 or are we now at 5 inches?

Phil (lily)

5.25" (5 1/4") and larger for the remainder of the season (Dec.15).

[LILY]

Thanks Polecat, thats what I thought. I caught easily a bushel of 5 inch black rusty crabs on the Chester yesterday. Our average crab was 6 inches. The only big crabs we caught where # 2's and 90% of those went back to fatten up. I will be back to catch them when they are black and rusty. The chester will be smokin til at least Halloween. Might have to go deep? I have caught them in 17-20 ft.

Phil (lily)