Don’t get pinched for breaking muddie rules

We have had a few cold mornings this week, marking the onset of the dry season.

There are size, possession and vessel limits and gear restrictions you must adhere to when crabbing.

We have had a few cold mornings this week, marking the onset of the dry season.

Now is a popular time for catching mud crabs.

The influence of the freshwater run-off is fast disappearing and the crabs are starting to work their way back up the creeks and harbour arms.

There have been some great reports of catches already.

There are size, possession and vessel limits as well as gear restrictions you must adhere to when crabbing.

Male mud crabs must have a minimum carapace width of 13cm and females must be 14cm.

You are allowed to take up to 10 crabs per person with a vessel limit of 30 when there are three or more people on board.

Remember to check the crabs to see if they are full of meat before deciding to take them home for dinner.

This can be achieved by testing for flex in the shell using your thumbs.

Test a male crab by pressing the abdominal plates underneath the crab and test a female by pressing either side of the carapace on the top of the crab.

Mud crabs are typically caught using pots or dillies. You can have a maximum of five pots or dillies per person, or combination of, with a maximum of 10 pots or dillies, or combination of per vessel when two or more people are on board.

Please remember to correctly mark all pots/dillies. They must have a float ­attached that is no less than 80mm in diameter or length. The float must be visible at all times when in use and have the user’s first and last name clearly marked on it.

For more information visit www.fisheries.nt.gov.au