Who's going out opening day?

[DocHaole]

I'm contemplating going out at midnight on opening night.

How does the 12 midnight start time work? Does that mean that the traps can't enter the water until midnight. Or can you start soaking them at 11 and then do your first pull at the stroke of 12?

Thanks for the help, I don't need the fine.

[dorado50]

12am...not 11:59999 do u really think the law says ok to set traps before 12am...I don't

[DocHaole]

That stinks. So do people just sit out there floating for a while to secure "their spot"? For those of you that do the midnight thing, how early do you get out there?

[CheapPelican]

Why not set the traps before 12am? For all they know you could be crabbin.

[DocHaole]

Originally Posted by CheapPelican

Why not set the traps before 12am? For all they know you could be crabbin.

That's why I asked the question. The traps themselves are not illegal to have in the water, just as I could use my lobster trap to go crabbing today. So it seems reasonable that you could have the traps down but not retain any lobster until 12 am. But nothing is worth a DFG fine, so that's why I am asking here.

[jorluivil]

Originally Posted by dorado50

12am...not 11:59999 do u really think the law says ok to set traps before 12am...I don't

Technically, you can but you just can pull them until after midnight and even if you did pull them before midnight you can always says you were hooping for crabs. I did it once and found it wasn't worth the drama, just wait until midnight and save yourself the drama of wondering whether or not your're hooping within the regs.

Going out opening day is a cool thing to do, once. Since no one has said it yet I guess I will, its a long season so don't get your panties in a bunch.

[Deamon]

Opening night last year, I yakked outside to try a reef. A few boats showed up so I put my traps out early to grab the area I wanted to hoop. I REALLY wanted to put some bait in my cages early on but held off. At around 11:30pm, flying in comes "the man" on a decent sized boat (26'?)with his lights off! And I mean hauling arse in. As soon as they got close, the lights were flipped on trying to catch someone working it early. I was like "whoa dude, did you even see me?"... I was asked to pull my traps so he could inspect them for bait. Only wish the cameras were on board so I could get on their tv show...

Originally Posted by DocHaole

I'm contemplating going out at midnight on opening night.

How does the 12 midnight start time work? Does that mean that the traps can't enter the water until midnight. Or can you start soaking them at 11 and then do your first pull at the stroke of 12?

Thanks for the help, I don't need the fine.

[Saba Slayer]

Same Question every year. IMHO...Technically if you are out on opening night to catch some Bugs then you cannot drop your nets before midnight. The season is almost 6 months long...what's the bum's rush for? All you do by dropping your nets early is stress out the DFG wardens, who are already busy enough on the opener. Let them concentrate on the poachers by giving them a break on checking out your nets, just because you feel you need a head start.
Good Luck this Season!!
Jim / Saba Slayer

[jorluivil]

Originally Posted by Saba Slayer

Same Question every year. IMHO...Technically if you are out on opening night to catch some Bugs then you cannot drop your nets before midnight. The season is almost 6 months long...what's the bum's rush for? All you do by dropping your nets early is stress out the DFG wardens, who are already busy enough on the opener. Let them concentrate on the poachers by giving them a break on checking out your nets, just because you feel you need a head start.
Good Luck this Season!!
Jim / Saba Slayer

woooord

[CheapPelican]

Originally Posted by Saba Slayer

Same Question every year. IMHO...Technically if you are out on opening night to catch some Bugs then you cannot drop your nets before midnight. The season is almost 6 months long...what's the bum's rush for? All you do by dropping your nets early is stress out the DFG wardens, who are already busy enough on the opener. Let them concentrate on the poachers by giving them a break on checking out your nets, just because you feel you need a head start.
Good Luck this Season!!
Jim / Saba Slayer

True. Can't blame a newbie for looking for any advantage he can get

[dorado50]

A not so smart newbie will need the advantage!!

[CheapPelican]

^

[slobslayer]

Count me out, everybody and their mom will be out opening day. Lobster will be there all season.