Lobster potd

[PabloPicasso]

Are there any regulations governing private non- commercial individual boaters as regards who can put out lobster pots, or where they can put them.

Is there a difference between EU waters and UK?

 

[Scillypete]

Different UK sea fisheries regions have slightly differing regs and also differing size limits on catches so find out what fits for your area. Obviously harbour authority areas have their own regulations on whether they can be placed within their areas so check first. But otherwise you should be fine but some of the better ledges and rough ground will probably already be occupied by a commercial operator.
I only bothered to put out two pots this summer and had two or three lobsters a week so whatever you do it’ll probably be worth it.
Don’t even dream of being allowed to use your own pots in European waters ?

 

[Slowboat35]

Pete, what do you use for bait? I've heard only the freshest for lobsters, smelly as you like for crabs - is that right?

What chance do I have with a single collapsible pot laid over the side whilst at anchor ? (appreciate the risk of tangling with ground tackle of course)

 

[James_Calvert]

https://www.devonandsevernifca.gov....ory-2-Recreational-Potting-Permit-Application

Here's the licence application form for Devon.

 

[Baddox]

English (and possibly UK – wide) regulations vary by area and are controlled by Inshore Fisheries Committees, each with their own rules.
Lobsters like smelly old baits but crabs prefer fresher. Both will shred soft fish baits unless they are sealed in a holey container or tough mesh bag.
It’s a little late in the year to start fishing with pots as a rough sea will move then until they are snagged or lost.

Look for rough, rocky ground for lobsters and somewhere similar next to sand for crabs.

 

[Euphonyx]

Pete, what do you use for bait? I've heard only the freshest for lobsters, smelly as you like for crabs - is that right?

What chance do I have with a single collapsible pot laid over the side whilst at anchor ? (appreciate the risk of tangling with ground tackle of course)

Rotten Mackeral heads.... yum!

 

[Neeves]

Lobster bait - cheap cat food, you want it in tins and use one of those old fashioned beer can openers, the sort that make a triangular hole and punch a couple of holes in the lid - drop into the pot. As Euphonyx suggests - the head of the fish you catch when trawling or the whole fish if its inedible. We catch barracouta (which are very bony)

We have a folding crayfish (lobster) pot made commercially, in Tasmania, from rebar - it weighs 28kg! and seems to stay where we drop it. We check our pot first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

Good luck!

Jonathan

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

English (and possibly UK – wide) regulations vary by area and are controlled by Inshore Fisheries Committees, each with their own rules.
Lobsters like smelly old baits but crabs prefer fresher. Both will shred soft fish baits unless they are sealed in a holey container or tough mesh bag.
It’s a little late in the year to start fishing with pots as a rough sea will move then until they are snagged or lost.

Look for rough, rocky ground for lobsters and somewhere similar next to sand for crabs.

Not so late. When I used to instruct in Baltimore, the concluding courses of the season, which always ended at Hallow'een, were made difficult by the fact that the whole harbour area became almost completely carpeted with pot buoys.

 

[LadyInBed]

What chance do I have with a single collapsible pot laid over the side whilst at anchor ?

Probably very little.
Places where edible crabs and lobsters like to be aren't that conducive to happy anchoring.

 

[Scillypete]

Pete, what do you use for bait? I've heard only the freshest for lobsters, smelly as you like for crabs - is that right?

What chance do I have with a single collapsible pot laid over the side whilst at anchor ? (appreciate the risk of tangling with ground tackle of course)

As others have already said old and smelly for lobsters fresh for crabs. If you catch mackerel use what you’re not going to eat preferably salt it down and leave for a while. Wrasse are best for this really as it’s quite tough after being salted and will last quite well in the pot.
You are unlikely to catch anything worthwhile unless you anchor on weedy rough ground.
Don’t forget to clearly mark your gear with decent buffs or Dan buoys that can be seen easily by all water users