Crab trap etiquette

[Tom1340]

I spent quite a bit of time the last 3 years sailing the Florida keys. I just cut the 4th crab or lobster trap off my rudder/prop. So far, one trap came off intact, the other three were separated from their floats...not good for fishermen or crabs. Consistently, the ones I've snared have had float lines 4 to 10 times the water depth. Some have even had floating lines. These look like they are designed to catch boats. Would one of you fishermen tell me if the long lines are intentional or just sloppyness? It seems 1 1/2 times water depth would be best.

[Davidhoy]

Originally Posted by Tom1340

I spent quite a bit of time the last 3 years sailing the Florida keys. I just cut the 4th crab or lobster trap off my rudder/prop. So far, one trap came off intact, the other three were separated from their floats...not good for fishermen or crabs. Consistently, the ones I've snared have had float lines 4 to 10 times the water depth. Some have even had floating lines. These look like they are designed to catch boats. Would one of you fishermen tell me if the long lines are intentional or just sloppyness? It seems 1 1/2 times water depth would be best.

I make every effort to avoid the pots, but the way the fishermen lay them in long lines makes it very hard to avoid snagging them eventually. When I've gotten hung up I don't really think twice about cutting them free if I can't just slip them off. Agreed about the long lines - if they keep the lines short then you can sail just to leeward of the float and the line will generally be out of your way. And for the pots laid in channels, I have no mercy...

-David

[alctel]

In Canada it's illegal to have floating lines on the pots, is it not the case in the states?