SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/fish-escape-cord

What must every Washington crab pot have so a lost pot stops catching crabs?

A rot (escape) cord.

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  1. A metal spring door
  2. A floating flag
  3. A biodegradable rot or escape cord ✔

Why: A rot cord made of untreated cotton or other natural fiber breaks down and lets crabs out. Without one, a lost pot can attract and kill crabs for years.

Huh, didn't know that: One legal option is a 3 by 5 inch escape panel in the upper half of the pot, sewn shut with rot cord.

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References

Answer: A biodegradable rot or escape cord. A rot cord made of untreated cotton or other natural fiber breaks down and lets crabs out. Without one, a lost pot can attract and kill crabs for years.

  1. WDFW Statewide gear rules wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/gear-rules
    A derelict crab pot without proper escape cord can attract and kill crabs for years after the pot has been lost.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. WDFW Statewide gear rules wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/gear-rules
    "Rot" cord used must be untreated 100% cotton or other natural fiber
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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