Question: I am looking forward to doing some crabbing this year. I have a seven loop crab snare but a bait and tackle shop owner told me it was completely illegal to use. Is this true? If so, why? Also, will I need a fishing license to take crabs?

Answer: Crab loop traps (often sold as "crab snares") are legal to use north of Point Arguello to take all species of crabs, but no more than six loops are allowed (California Code of Regulations Title 14, subsections 29.80(d) and (e)). To make this a legal trap you will need to cut off one of the loops. Valid sport fishing licenses are required to take crab, unless you are fishing from a public fishing pier (as defined by CCR Title 14, Section 1.88).