Who should use escape cord?
Recreational and commercial crabbers! Unless you harvest with “rings” or a trap that collapses completely flat when underwater, then you are legally required to use escape cord. Not only is it Washington state law, but it helps ensure that more crabs are out there to catch! Most (but not all!) traps will come equipped with escape cord. It is important to make sure new pots are rigged with escape cord, and replace it with escape cord when that degrades.
For information about crabbing seasons and regulations can be found on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife web site at:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/shelfish/crab/index.htm