Sec. 08.02.03.03. Trotlines

A. An individual may not set or fish a trotline within 100 feet of another individual’s set trotline, collapsible crab trap, or net ring.

B. The length of a trotline shall be measured along the bait line from the first bait to the last bait.

C. In the coastal bays of the Atlantic Ocean and their tidal tributaries:

(1) An individual may not use or possess on board a vessel a trotline or trotlines with a baited portion more than 600 feet in length to catch or attempt to catch crabs for recreational purposes; or

(2) If two or more individuals are on a boat, not more than two trotlines with a baited portion more than 600 feet eachmay be used or possessed on board a vessel to catch or attempt to catch crabs for recreational purposes.

D. In the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries:

(1) Trotline gear may only be used to catch or attempt to catch crabs:

(a) For commercial purposes by an individual licensed in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §4-701, Annotated Code of Maryland; or

(b) For recreational purposes by an individual licensed in accordance with Regulation .09 of this chapter;

(2) An individual licensed to catch crabs for recreational purposes may not use or possess on board a vessel a trotline or trotlines with a baited portion more than 1,200 feet in length to catch or attempt to catch crabs for recreational purposes; and

(3) The trotline gear used from the boat may not exceed 1,200 feet in length for the baited portion:

(a) Regardless of the number of individuals licensed to catch crabs for recreational purposes on a boat; or

(b) If the boat is licensed as a recreational crabbing boat.

E. Buoy Requirements.

(1) A trotline shall have a three-dimensional buoy of the same color, size, and shape attached to each end.

(2) Buoys that have a spherical shape shall be at least 12 inches in diameter.

(3) Buoys that do not have a spherical shape shall be at least:

(a) 12 inches long;

(b) 10 inches wide; and

(c) 10 inches high.

(4) Buoys shall be marked with the owner’s:

(a) DNR id number, if recreationally crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay or its tidal tributaries;

(b) Name and address, if recreationally crabbing in the Atlantic Ocean, its coastal bays, or their tidal tributaries; or

(c) Commercial license number.