The size of a spanner crab is determined by measuring the shortest distance between the tip of the spike at the middle of the front edge of its carapace and the mid-point of the rear edge of its carapace. Three-spotted crabs must measure a minimum of 10 cm across the widest point of its carapace. Mud crabs must be a minimum size of 15 cm across the widest point of its carapace. The size of a mud crab and three-spotted crab is determined by measuring the widest part of its carapace. Blue swimmer crabs must be a minimum of 11.5 cm from notch to notch. The size of a blue swimmer crab is determined by measuring the distance between the notch immediately forward of the base of the large lateral spine of the crab on one side of the crab, and the notch immediately forward of the base of the large lateral spine of the crab on the other side of the crab. This means you cannot possess them at any time without a permit. ID and measurement Crab gender identificationĭetermine crab gender from the underside of the crab.įemale mud crabs and blue swimmer crabs, and egg- bearing spanner crabs and three-spotted crabs, are protected throughout Queensland. The use of underwater breathing apparatus other than a snorkel is not permitted, whether by spear, spear gun, hand or any other means. In tidal waters, when fishing for tropical rock lobster, recreational fishers are permitted to free-dive using a mask and snorkel, and a rubber-powered hand spear or spear gun. In tidal waters, a collapsible trap must be made of rigid material with one or more collapsible sides. There is no age limit for the recreational use of crab apparatus. The dilly must have a tag attached to it with the surname and address of the user and a light coloured float attached to it that is at least 15cm in all its dimensions and with the user’s name written on it.Įnsure you sort your crabs on a pot-by-pot basis to remove any illegal crabs before moving on, or they are deemed in your possession.įemale or undersized crabs must be removed from the trap and returned to the water immediately. When fishing for spanner crabs, the dilly must have an area within its frame of no more than 1m 2 with a net drop of no more than 10cm and mesh size of at least 25mm. The use of inverted dilly apparatus (witches hats) was phased out from 2 April 2010.
The tag must be marked clearly with the user's surname. When tied to a fixed object, a tag must also be attached to part of the rope that is above the high water mark. The float must not be less than 15 cm in any dimension and must be marked clearly with the user's surname. When not attached to a fixed object (for example tied to a tree above the high water mark), all crab apparatus must have a light coloured surface float attached. Also a person must not possess more than four crab apparatus per person, on a boat on the water.Ĭrab pots and dillies must be marked by an identifying tag bearing the surname and address of the person using the apparatus. In tidal waters, when fishing for blue swimmer crabs, mud crabs and spanner crabs, no more than four crab pots or dillies (or a combination of pots and dillies) may be used per person. Stealing crabs or crab pots is a criminal offence – if you’re caught you will be reported to the police.Ĭrabbing and fishing gear Crab pots and dillies
Make sure your crab pot/dilly is heavy enough and has enough rope attached to the float so it’s not lost in strong tidal currents.Crabs and lobsters Responsible crabbing DO: