NH Crab Regulations (ok to dive?)

[Mr.Snork]

Hello Everyone,

I was out snorkeling with my brother and saw lots of crabs. However, I can't seem to find any NH regs on crabs... lots about lobsters but nothing specifically covering crabs and whether it's legal to dive for them.

Is it legal to dive for crabs in NH?

Thank you,
Ken

 

[oldflounder]

See Lobster & Crab | 2011 New Hampshire Saltwater Fishing Guide | eRegulations.com. It's a little confusing because it says you need a permit for over 12 crabs. I read it to say that if you "harvest" crabs you need a license - if you take less than 12 by hand you don't. I haven't seen any around here that are big enough to make a meal out of. Have you?

 

[Mr.Snork]

Thanks! I actually looked that page over before and missed the crab section. We weren't really looking but saw many 4" across the shell and one at least 6" wide that looked tasty.

Cheers,
Ken

 

[oldflounder]

Also see Section 211:18-c Crabs.

If I saw 6" crabs I would be asking this same question! Yum!