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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Licensed rock lobster charter operators in Western Australia’s West Coast region can now carry up to 12 pots and have a boat limit of up to 80 lobsters under arrangements made permanent on 1 December 2024. That boat limit is not a passenger’s bag limit: each individual is still limited to eight lobsters. The change creates an opportunity for tours in the Mid West, including around Geraldton, Dongara and the Abrolhos Islands, but published government figures do not quantify the region’s share of operators or economic benefit.
What changed for licensed charter operators?
The WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) says licensed charter operators in the West Coast region may carry up to 12 pots, compared with six previously, and have a boat limit of up to 80 rock lobster. Operators may set and bait pots outside a fishing tour to improve the lobster experience. The permanent arrangements began on 1 December 2024 after a trial. DPIRD’s charter guidance and the WA Government’s 20 October 2024 announcement describe the rules and their introduction.
The boat limit is not an individual allowance
The boat limit applies to the charter vessel under the licensed operator arrangements. It does not entitle each passenger to take 80 lobsters. The individual maximum remains eight per fisher.
How the charter rules differ from recreational fishing rules
The expanded arrangements apply to licensed charter operators in the West Coast region, not to every private recreational fisher. Under the general recreational rules, a fisher needs a rock lobster licence, is subject to a daily individual limit of eight, and may not sell recreationally caught lobster or use it for gain or reward. Check the current DPIRD recreational rock lobster rules before fishing, as rules can change.
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- Crab Clips for Jigging Rods:2.8 inch*1.8 inch*1.8 inch Ear Cage 1 Piece with 1 Leader Hanging Loop and 8 I Raw Wire Coil - Perfect for Dungeness Crab, Rock Crab, and Blue Crab Fishing.
- How to Use:Insert the bait along the vertical wire in the center, hang the hook on the rod and cast it into the river. When you lift the rod, the slip knot contracts to tighten the crab legs, so you don't have to worry about unhooking. The crab ring can be used repeatedly.
- Safe and Secure: 8 sturdy rings hold crabs in place - preventing escape - designed for Dungeness, blue, red and rock crabs.
- Versatile and Easy to Use: Fishing accessory is suitable for catching crabs, lobsters, crayfish and more. Great tool for rivers, reservoirs, seaside mud flats, suitable for pier crabbing, can be cast with a fishing rod to enhance your crabbing experience.
- Premium Quality Construction: Crabbers for fishing rods are made of stainless steel for durability. Designed with metal frame, it is sturdy, lightweight and easy to carry.
Why the change matters to Mid West tours
The government announcement names Geraldton and the Abrolhos Islands as the most popular rock lobster charter destinations, followed by Two Rocks, Dongara, Kalbarri and Mandurah. That makes the change relevant to Mid West tourism, particularly around Geraldton, Dongara and the Abrolhos Islands. The announcement does not break out how many new operators, tours or dollars the Mid West will gain, so the scale of any local economic effect is not established.
Participation and catch figures cited by the government
The WA Government’s 2024 announcement reported charter participation rising from about 5,000 people in 2019 to more than 13,000 in 2023. It also said charter operators caught less than 20 tonnes against nearly 10,000 tonnes of annual sustainable lobster catch. These are figures and characterizations reported by the government, not an independent evaluation; the government described the trial as producing strong sustainability outcomes and significant support from local businesses and communities.
Rank #2
- Sufficient Quantity: you will receive 4 pcs 8-Loop crab traps with lead sinker and 1 crab measuring gauge, adequate quantity to meet your daily needs and replacements, you can also share them with friends, great with fishing rods
- Produce Size: the bait cage about 2.8 x 1.8 x1.8 inch, 3 x 6.7 inch in 8-Loop; If in areas with large flowing water, increasing the weight of the crab trap can stabilize its movement and make it easier for crabs to approach the trap; The crab measure tool about 7.1 x 3.9inch make you more convenient when using, storing and searching for the product, will not easily misplaced
- Material: the crab snare traps are made of sturdy steel wire which is durable and reusable, corrosion resistance, which can be held up in a saltwater environment; And with the strong loops, hold the crabs and not loose; Our crab measure gauge adopts quality thick plastic as material, firm and stable, hard to break or deform, can support your multiple uses and serve you for a long time
- How to Use: insert the bait along the vertical wire in the center, hang the hook on the rod and cast it into the river; When you lift the rod, the slip knot contracts to tighten the crab legs, so you don't have to worry about unhooking; The crab ring can be used repeatedly
- Wide Applications: designed for Dungeness, Blue crab, Red crab, Rock crab and more; The crab trap can be thrown with a fishing rod, self opening loops shoot straight into the air, even while under water; Its an essential crabbing tool for beginners and experienced crabbers alike
Where the West Coast fishery fits
DPIRD describes the West Coast Rock Lobster Managed Fishery as targeting western rock lobster (Panulirus cygnus) between Northwest Cape and Cape Leeuwin. Its managed-fishery zones are the Abrolhos Islands, north of latitude 30°S, and south of latitude 30°S; seasonal quota can vary. These are managed-fishery zones and should not be assumed to define every charter licensing boundary. For charter eligibility, refer to DPIRD’s current operator guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【All Around Protection】Our lobster glove is cut-proof,durable and flame-retardant perfect for those encounter cuts, abrasions, or heat while on the job or for sport. the palms have a non-slip grip, so you don’t have to worry about your catch-of-the-day wiggling away or accidentally cutting yourself while deveining or filleting. The topside of our gloves is coated in rubber armor that protects your skin from sharp objects like reef and rocks and the elastic cuffs mold perfectly to your wrist.
- 【Easy to Use】 Many scuba glove products are difficult to use due to their stiff and bulky composition. Gloves that aren’t pliable for a firm grasp can make lobstering or fishing a nuisance. With our Lobster Gloves, you will immediately notice how exceptionally soft and flexible they are on the inside, so you can freely use your fingers without any force from the glove. The material is sturdy, yet thin and comfortable so you won’t feel like you are wearing bulky, awkward gloves.
- 【Made for More Than Lobstering】We aimed to make a versatile glove for multiple water sports and activities. Use these gloves for spearfishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, filleting, or swimming around the reef. They are so light, you’ll forget you have them on.
- 【Comfortable Scuba Gloves】There is adjustable velcro strap on anti-cut gloves wrist parts to bring a comfortable fit and avoid gloves from coming off.They allow finger move freely while they keep you warm.
- 【Easy to Wash and Dries Quickly】 If you are out on the water a lot, these are perfect for you. Salty water, combined with the scent of fish and blood, make for an unpleasant smelling glove by the end of the day. Luckily, our scuba gloves can be thrown right in the washing machine without worrying about ruining their integrity. Leave them out to air dry overnight and you’ll find that they are good to go the next day.
Rank #4
- Build Your Own Crab Trap or Upgrade Any Rig: Compatible with loop traps, throw lines, crab pots, hoop nets and ring nets. Drop it solo with bait and a rope, clip 6 loops around it to build a castable loop trap, or secure it inside any pot or net as a bait cage. Works for Dungeness on the West Coast, blue crab on the East Coast and Gulf, rock crab from California to Oregon
- 0.5-Inch Mesh Locks Bait In - Scent Flows Out: Small 0.5-inch mesh openings let scent and juices disperse into the water column while keeping cut squid, chicken necks, fish heads, and menhaden physically secured. Fish, perch, and small nuisance species cannot steal bait through the cage walls
- Lead-Free 2oz Built-In Weight - No Sinker Needed: The 2oz lead-free weight is cast into the base so the cage sits flat on the seafloor without a separate sinker. 5oz total weight. One-hand rubber band latch for fast bait changes on the dock
- Fishing Pole Ready - Cast It With 6 Loops: Attach to a fishing pole, add bait and clip 6 loops around the cage, then cast it like a castable loop trap. A simple, portable rig for blue crab from shore, pier, or boat with no heavy gear required
- Vinyl-Coated Wire - Rust Resistant for Salt and Freshwater - 1 Pack: Black vinyl-coated steel wire resists corrosion in saltwater and freshwater. Folds flat for easy storage and transport. Stainless steel top hook clips to standard trap hardware. Rinse with fresh water after saltwater use
Rank #3
- Universal Size:The crab trap measures 23.6 x 23.6 inches, specifically designed for blue crabs, Dungeness crabs, and rock crabs, accommodating most common crab species of legally caught sizes. A measuring ruler is included for quick and easy size verification of your catch, ensuring safe and compliant fishing
- Easy Crab Catching:Secure the bait in the built-in bait clip, cast the crab snare with a rope or fishing rod, and check every 20 minutes. When you feel a noticeable increase in tension, reel in the line. Simple and easy to use, even for beginners
- Foldable Design:The crab net folds flat for easy storage, fitting easily into a backpack or tackle box without taking up much space. Whether fishing at the dock, playing on the beach, or on a family trip, it's portable and can be cast by hand or used with a fishing rod, allowing you to enjoy crabbing anytime, anywhere
- Thoughtful Design:The castable crabbing net features a powerful automatic opening and closing spring mechanism, ready to use out of the box without additional installation. The secure automatic locking mechanism firmly locks the crab in place, effectively preventing escape
- Widely applicable:This crab pot is optimized for use in shallow to medium-deep waters, including dockside areas and piers. No boat is required for easy crabbing on docks, piers, breakwaters, and shorelines. It's perfect for recreational anglers and weekend fishing trips
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
