Number limits...

[BarnacleBoy]

Hi,

Is there a limit to the number of fish/crabs/lobsters you're allowed to take in one day or is it just MLS that I need to be aware of?

This is VERY hypothetical, given that I've not got a single fish or crustacean yet I'm not into pillaging...don't worry, I'm just wondering....

Thanks

 

[foxfish]

There are certain fish that are protected & you are not allowed to shoot crustaceans but I dont think there is any relevant restriction on numbers?

I am relating to the UK mainland as Ireland has some (very sensible) restrictions on bass & the channel islands have their own rules too.

 

[BarnacleBoy]

Hi foxfish,

Huh...that surprises me on the lob and crab front.... Yeah, knew about spearing and trout etc.

 

[foxfish]

I am no expert on English law but I am pretty sure you cant shoot any type of crustaceans, you can collect them just not shoot them!
No idea why though?

 

[BarnacleBoy]

Hi,

Yes, sorry, I knew about not being able to spear crustaceans, it's the lack of number limit that surprises me.

I guess the no spearing rule is to avoid killing berried females before you realise so.

 

[foxfish]

Wishful thinking mate! If you think about the hundreds of thousands of lobster pots set daily around the English coast compared to the few hundred spearfishermen then any restriction on us based or the amount we take would be futile!
Spearo Dave used to quote the fishing laws quite often (he doesn't post anymore) but I cant remember why there is a ban on shooting crabs etc - it was something to do with the use of a harpoon - probably dating back 200 years!

Anyway it is good to see you asking the right question before you make mistakes

I speared a lobsters once - sometime after a long frustrating effort of trying to get a really big one out of a hole & then pulling off both of it claws, I decided to stab the creature & pull it out!
It was about 7lb & the biggest one I have ever caught, however it is quite legal to do this where I live.
As a general rule, I asses the situation & will very often leave a crab or lobster if I feel I cant get it out without mutilating the creature but that big one was on new years eve & I needed it

 

[BarnacleBoy]

I can see that spearing is a drop in the ocean (and super selective). OK, thanks for the input - just don't want to screw up before I've got started! Back in the water in 2 weeks - can't wait...

7lb lobster...hmmmm.

 

[manalive!]

I've been thinking about devices for taking lobsters, possibly, something like a tube with a lasso poking out of the end. Is there any UK law that states that crustaceans must be taken purely by hand?

 

[foxfish]

My brother Derek tried one of those road sweeper type devices that allow you to pick up paper without bending down - (a mechanical claw on the end of a stick) but at the end of the day, in my mind - give the creature a sporting chance.

 

[scottie3030]

Over in Wales me n james got stopped by the fisheries officers to check are catch was over mls! Also they told us we could only collect 5brown crab n I think it was 2 lobsters per diver per day not that we saw any

 

[scottwilson]

I always thought the lobster limit was for recreation potters.

 

[BarnacleBoy]

My understanding is that recreational potters can only have two pots out at any one time (and also need to adhere to MLS and V notch and berried females). Had no idea that there was a number limit when collected by hand....not that I've seen any yet, let alone managed to get one!

 

[grantl]

For Lobbies in Scotland I've always believed it was a max of 2 per diver/day.

 

[mabster]

I'd be lucky to reach two a day. Didn't have the balls to grab the ones off east Lothian way. Too big