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Traps

Recreational Blue Crab Trap

Blue Crap Trap Specification PDF

  • Maximum trap size is 2 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet or a volume of 8 cubic feet
  • Mesh size must be 1 1/2 inches or larger
  • The throat or entrance cannot extend farther than 6 inches into the inside of any trap
  • Must have at least three escape rings, each located on a vertical outer surface adjacent to each chamber
  • Escape rings must be larger than 2 3/8 inches.
  • The trap must have a degradable panel larger than 3 inches by 6 inches
  • Types of degradable panels include: untreated jute twine, non-coated steel wire measuring 24 gauge or thinner, untreated pine dowel no larger than 2 inches in length by 3/8 inch in diameter or untreated pine slats no thicker than 3/8 inch
  • Trap must have name and address permanently affixed in legible letters
  • Recreational trap buoys must be no smaller than 6 inches and must be marked with a legible "R" that is at least 2 inches tall
Example of a standard pinfish trap

How to Video

  • Maximum trap size is 2 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet or a volume of 8 cubic feet
  • It is not required but it is recommended that some form of owner contact information is attached to the trap
  • Throat or entrance should not exceed 3 inches in height by 3/4 inches in width
  • A buoy is not required but is recommended for preventing loss of the trap
Example of a standard recreational shrimp trap
  • Maximum trap size is 3 feet by 2 feet by 1 feet
  • Trap must be marked with owner's name and address
  • A buoy is not required but is recommended for preventing loss of the trap
  • The incorporation of external or unattached wings or other devices to funnel shrimp into the trap is prohibited

Stone Crab Trap

  • Maximum trap size is 24 inches by 24 inches by 24 inches or a volume of 8 cubic feet
  • Traps can be made from either wood, wire or plastic
  • The throat or entrance must be 5 ½ inches by 3 ½ inches
  • Throat must be no larger than 5 1/2 by 3 1/8 inches in Collier, Monroe and Miami-Dade
  • If the throat or entrance is round, it cannot exceed 5 inches in diameter
  • Round throats prohibited in Collier, Monroe and Miami-Dade counties
  • The trap must have a degradable panel that is 5 ½ inches by 3 ½ inches and is made of cypress or untreated pine slat no thicker than ¾ of an inch
  • Wire traps must have at least three unobstructed escape rings (2 3/8 inches in diameter) located on a vertical side of the trap.
  • NEW:
    • For the 2023-24 stone crab season, an unobstructed escape ring 2 3/16 inches in diameter for all recreational and commercial plastic or wood stone crab traps is required, with no location requirement specified.
    • For the 2024-25 stone crab season and beyond, an unobstructed escape ring 2 3/16 inches in diameter to be located within a vertical exterior trap wall for all recreational and commercial plastic or wood stone crab traps is required.
  • Harvester’s name, address, and unique recreational trap registration number must be permanently affixed to each trap and legible
  • The buoy must be no smaller than 6 inches and must be marked with a legible “R” that is at least 2 inches tall.
  • Buoys are not required if trap is fished from a dock.

 

 

 

 

Special regulations apply for traps and this species when in Biscayne National Park.