Pennsylvania Code
Title 58 - RECREATION
Part II - FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION
Subpart B - FISHING
Chapter 69 - FISHING IN LAKE ERIE AND BOUNDARY LAKES
Subchapter D - COMMERCIAL FISHING, SEASONS AND NETS
Section 69.33 - Use of commercial trap nets

(a) Size. Trap nets, cribs and associated leads shall be constructed of twine not lighter than number 12 thread/cord. A trap net lead or lifting crib with a mesh in violation of this section, whether being fished or held in possession, shall be subject to confiscation by the Commission.

(b) Species. A commercial trap net licensee may not possess or sell a fish except in compliance with the following size limits and seasons. The following size limits apply to commercial trap net licensees except that 5% of each licensee's daily catch by number per species may be undersized fish that may be lawfully sold:

(c) Buoys/tags. Marker buoys shall be attached to the beginning of each lead and to the back of the crib. A staff extending 8 feet above the water with a minimum size flag of 18 inches by 18 inches secured near the top shall be attached to the anchor for the beginning of the lead and a staff extending 8 feet above the water with 2 minimum size flags of 18 inches by 18 inches (double flags) shall be attached to the anchor for the crib. The licensee shall affix a metal, numbered tag provided by the Commission to each of the required staffs showing the name and address of the owner or the lessee. Licensees shall report a seal that is lost, misplaced or stolen orally within 24 hours of discovery and in writing to the Commission at Northwest Law Enforcement Region within 2 business days. Improperly marked or tagged nets shall be subject to confiscation by the Commission. Officers authorized to enforce the code and this part may mark trap nets for the purpose of determining the number of trap nets being used by a particular licensee.

(d) Restricted period. From January 1 through June 15, no part of a trap net may be set within 0.5 miles of Lake Erie shoreline, except between longitudes 80°00" and 80°10" where no part of a trap net may be set within 1.5 miles of the Lake Erie shoreline. From June 16 through December 31, no part of a trap net may be set within 1.5 miles of the Lake Erie shoreline.

(e) Restricted waters. The use of trap nets to harvest yellow perch from Lake Erie will be prohibited from an area bound on the west by the 80°00" longitudinal line and on the east at the Commonwealth/New York border (79°45'43") and on the south by the Lake Erie shoreline and on the north by the international border between the Commonwealth and Ontario, Canada.

(f) Time. Trap nets may be fished 24 hours a day, but it is unlawful to set or lift them during the period from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. Trap nets may be set or fished, or both, from March 1 to November 30.

(g) Description of trap net.

(h) Setting or tending trap nets. A boat engaged in the setting or tending of trap nets shall comply with Navigation Rule 26 (United States Coast Guard) from the time the boat leaves the dock until it arrives back at the dock.