Crabbing with a fishing pole???

Hello,
I was out fishing for Flounder this AM on the Nisqually delta and hooked into a really large Dungeness Crab. I wasn't sure what the rules were so I released it, but it got me wondering if I would have been lawfully able to retain it (I have crab and shellfish on my license)...doesn't seem any fifferent than lowering a baited trap into the water.

I would imagine all crabbing restrictions apply no matter how you catch em. Some guy saw me buying my crab traps yesterday and told me to keep an eye out for some sort of "crab snare" that is designed to he cast with a rod and reel. Never seen it but the guy said it works like a charm.


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Crabhawk. They sound pretty sweet. As long as you have a shellfish card it's legal.

I've got two crab snares and three Crab Maxes (similar to Crab Hawk but better IMO). Tried them off Newport pier with three grandsons. They all worked but pulling them up 30' through the air was sub-optimal. Would be great from a yak or low floating dock. Keeps the kids busy and interested. Just not as productive as traps or rings.


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You could have kept that crab as long as the hook didn't penetrate the shell thats the only pertinent rule I can see looking at the WDFW regs, I've done it a few times too. Crabs sure love gulp!

There is a difference from the Crab Hawk style traps and the Crab Snare.

This is a Crab Snare. 
Heavy mono loops attached to a bait box that is cast using a heavy rod/reel combo.
When you reel in, if a loop is around any part of a crab leg, it will tighten up and snare it until you have the critter in your position.

FYI: Crabhawks are made here in Oregon! Just thought I would point out a local business. I've never tried them, but they look cool.

Fyi

CrabHawks is a HOW supporter.

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Fyi

CrabHawks is a HOW supporter.

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+1  and the proprietor comes out to help with HOW events too! 

Was in Sportco this afternoon and bought a single hoop and related gear for SLF. On the hooks above the high dollar shrimp traps is a castable collapsible trap made by Danielson. Its about 6x8 folded and only costs $10.00.

So besides the snares you have that option too.

Btw isnt Nisqually in area 13? That should still be open for retention

Here ya go, it's called the Crab Jaw; http://www.amazon.com/Danielson-CH1-Crab-Trap-Jaw/dp/B003OB7IX4

 

That snare looks ingenious, and light.
Pretty neat device.