Crabbing rule?
 

So what is the big deal about catching crabs on a rod and reel so said being illegal? A long as I have basic and salt water license it should be OK right?

Never heard this being said to be illegal where did you hear that

Everytime we go crabbing someone says its illegal to catch crabs with a rod and reel. I think they may have it confused with recreastional areas where you don't need a liscence to use string only.

Ridiculous. I'd make that someone cite the regulation number, page and book.

The doubters keep referring me to this line from the LA fishing regs:

Crabs or stone crabs can be taken with any legal crab trap, crab drop net, trawl, hoop net, trotline, handline, bushline, dip net or cast net.

I think we called those people sh**house lawyers when I was in the service.

yep, its illegal to catch crabs on a rod and reel unless you have a fishing license, that's the only restriction

the difference is when it involves a "hook" and line, if its just hand lines it doesn't matter no license is needed and any clips used to hold the bait is NOT considered a hook unless you actually use a hook so I think they were just pulling your leg or they were just stupid

So you don't need license if you are using a handline?

Depends on where you're crabbing. Private property, no you don't. WMA you either need the WMA stamp or fishing license. Unsure about the refuges.....

no you don't need any license to crab by means of hand line or trotline for crabs as long as you are not in a WMA. in WMA you need a license to crab by any means and some WMA areas say you cant use set nets or hoop nets for crabs.

You need a fishing license to set foot on a refuge regardless if you are fishing or not.

Not true. On Rockerfella you can get the Wild Louisiana Stamp instead. Just a few dollars.

Not so much private property is the rule. The beaches are public and you don't need a license to crab there.

OR

This is exactly why I asked the question, there are 7 different answers.

Just buy the fishing licenses and get to gettin it. If you can afford to get there, and afford all the superfluous seasonings to cook them in then you can get the fishing license!

Yeah, you're right! Just the time it takes to try and look up on the internet, call all the different departments, etc. isn't even worth the hassle to save a few buck. When in all actuality you will probably need the fishing license at some point before it expires.

The LDWF website is horrible to try and look up info on.

like yall say if you buy a license you don't have to try and guess about all this and I would think its rare most people who crab don't also fish but even still just buy a one day license for $1.50 in that case

I think my original question was if it was illegal to "take" crabs with a licensed fishing pole.

No, its legal.

Figured that. I think dem people were just mad cause we were catching more crabs than they were. It's more fun with a rod and reel anyway cause you can bring 'em up on plane and they still don't let go...lol. The kids love it.