We Got Crab Legs!

TyBoo · Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2008 2:33 pm Post subject:

Unhook the boat trailer Pat. Four pots, all night, three crabs.

Pat Anderson · Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2008 4:57 pm Post subject:

I emailed this inquiry to the WDFW, we'll see if they reply, if so, I will post the answer. Theoretically, if I go out of Blaine, just cross the international boundary and don't land or have contact with another boat, no customs is involved, correct?

May a person crab in Canadian waters under Canadian rules and land in Washington waters? I am specifically interested in launching in Blaine, crabbing in Boundary Bay on the Canadian side (with a Canadian license, following Canadian catch rules) and then retrieving in Blaine.

Thanks.

Pat Anderson

Capn Jack · Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2008 5:40 pm Post subject: Landing a Foreign Sports Catch

Pat, I looked that up once...It's buried deep in the regs. Smile

As I remember: You have to clear Canadian Customs before you fish, cannot exceed US catch limits and cannot fish in the US while you have the Canadian catch onboard. It's all based on not allowing you to have in possession limits from both countries, or to mix the catch. CoolSmile

Jack

Da Nag · Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2008 6:06 pm Post subject:

Capn Jack · Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2008 6:27 pm Post subject:

Bill,
Even though the reg. only talks about fish, (correct me if I'm wrong), the title of the reg makes it all encompassing. We'll see if Pat can get some "Official Clarification" (Oxy-moron) CoolSmile

Jack

Da Nag · Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2008 6:56 pm Post subject:

"(1) Canadian license required. It is unlawful to possess in marine waters or deliver into Washington shellfish or food fish taken for personal use from Canadian waters unless the person who possesses or delivers the shellfish or food fish possesses a valid Canadian sport fishing license and catch record card, if one is required, for the shellfish and food fish taken."

My emphasis added, but the first paragraph seems to cover crab. The remainder of the section, seems to cover exceptions - none of which are listed for shellfish.

So...while we're waiting on Pat's official reply, just print out this thread and keep it with you. Should you get busted, just tell 'em Barrister Da Nag said it was OK.