Crabs

Crabbing is a popular recreational pastime in South Australia. The two main species found are blue swimmer crabs and sand crabs. The giant crab is occasionally caught in rock lobster pots in deep water.

Permitted devices


There are restrictions on the type, number and dimensions of devices that can be used to catch crabs in South Australia.

Crab Rake
Drop net
Hand net
Hoop net
Bait or berley



Crab Rake, Cockle Rake

Crab or cockle rakes are hand-held devices used for scraping the water-bed. They consist of a pole with a rake and can have a net or mesh bag attached.

A Crab And Cockle Rake



Drop net

A drop net consists of two hoops joined by a cylindrical or cone-shaped net bag. Note that drop nets are not the same as hoop nets and regulations vary. Drop nets do not need to be registered.


Specifications
Maximum hoop diameter: 107 cm
Maximum depth: 92 cm
Maximum number allowed: 3 drop nets per person
Marking required: 1 white buoy, 2 litres in volume

1 tag with name and address of owner if unattended


A Drop Net




Hand net

A hand net consists of conical-shaped netting joined to a hoop that is attached to a rigid handle. It can be a dab net, dip net or shrimp net. Only one hand net per person can be used. Hand nets do not need to be registered.

Specifications
Maximum hoop diameter: 100 cm (1 metre)
Maximum depth of net: 100 cm (1 metre)


A Hand Net



Hoop net

This consists of one hoop holding a cone-shaped net bag. Note that hoop nets are not the same as drop nets and regulations vary. Hoop nets do not need to be registered but must be buoyed and tagged correctly.
Link to marking devices page

Specifications
Maximum hoop diameter: 107 cm
Maximum depth of net bag: 92 cm

Maximum number permitted: Up to 10 hoop nets if no other device is being used

Up to 3 hoop nets if other fishing gear
Marking: 1 white buoy, 2 litres in volume

1 tag with name and address of owner if unattended
Note: The use of hoop nets is prohibited in the main stream section of commercial fishing reaches of the River Murray.
   

A Hoop Net



Bait or berley

When baiting for crabs, fishers are permitted to use fish or fish based products only.  It is illegal to use bone, meat, offal or the skin of an animal including birds.

The legislation applying to the use of bait in crab nets has changed recently.  Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.