I don't understand? What advantage does having a rod and reel give you?

So would a snare then be illegal? Its with pole an line

April 14, 2011

Question: I will be getting a fishing license soon even though I don’t really need one since I do most of my fishing from public piers. I have a question about when a crab goes after a baited hook and is caught while fishing. Does it really have to be thrown back then? I think if someone is lucky enough to bring a six inch crab up to a pier, they should get to keep it. It’s not easy to do. I have had many large crabs let go as soon as they hit the surface. I have never caught a six-plus inch crab, but if I pulled one up, I sure would like to eat it. Can I keep it or do I have to let it go? (Ray A.)

Answer: Unfortunately, the law does not allow crabs to be caught with hook and line. Crabs may be taken only by hand, baited hoop nets, crab loop traps, and if north of Point Arguello, crab traps. The traps must meet the escape port requirements described in regulations (CCR Title 14, section 29.80(c)). If you find yourself one of the lucky fishermen to have a crab ride your fishing line all of the way up to the pier, take a picture to capture the memory, but then you’ll need to toss it back. Sorry.

Assuming "Crab Loop Nets" refer to "snares" that are attached to line and rod, that is the way they are designed to be used and are legal.  I think Dale may have misread the question, as it asked if they were "illegal."  Nope, legal, and effective too!