Crab Trap Bans In Lake Macquarie Under Review

[lakelad]

Can you use witches hats and/or hoop nets in Lake Macquarie?

[jeffb5.8]

On ‎10‎/‎14‎/‎2018 at 11:35 AM, Berleyguts said:

I have no problem in Port Stephens with the ban on witches hat crab nets. I use up to my 2 round crab traps and my 4 hoop nets. The traps I might leave down while I fish outside or elsewhere and check when I get back. The hoop nets, you have to work a bit. So, I’ll set them and fish nearby for flathead etc. then check the nets every 20 or 30 minutes. The catch rate is about the same, although I mainly target blue swimmers. No by catch in the hoop nets but last summer I did catch 2 wobbegongs in the traps, duly released. You can invert your witches hats to work like a hoop net.

I thought it was no crab traps in Port Stephens, until I re-read the fact sheet, So I can set my Hoop nets between sunrise and sunset, just cannot use the old Witches hats.

Might have to take them up next trip and see if I can get some Crabs.

[jeffb5.8]

On ‎10‎/‎15‎/‎2018 at 9:21 PM, lakelad said:

Can you use witches hats and/or hoop nets in Lake Macquarie?

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/674736/lake-macquarie-area-recreational-crab-guide.pdf

Lots of areas with restrictions

[lakelad]

Thanks @jeffb5.8, lots of info there.

Looks like hoop nets are OK for Lake Mac, total of 4 allowed, just not a rigid frame style.

These look suitable: https://www.hookedonline.com.au/4-x-new-wilson-ready-rigged-wire-bottom-marron-net