Crab fishing at local SoCal Piers - questions!

[carpanglerdude]

Hi all,

As the spiny lobster season has closed, I am interested in trying to catch crab at local piers here in SoCal.
I have several simple hoop net devices - I'm planning to add some bait (any recommendations? raw shrimp? chicken) and lower them off the pier.

I also have crap snare - looks like this: https://www.fieldandstreamshop.com/p...2_ecom_PLA_453
I'm not sure if this is legal in SoCal - any thoughts? It's not a trap - at least it doesn't actively trap anything unless you reel it in correctly, more similar to a hoop net. That being said, I'm not interested in risking any tickets.
[edit - it looks like it would be illegal in SoCal: "(d) Crab loop traps may have up to six loops.
(e) Crab trap areas: Crab traps, including crab
loop traps, may be used north of Point Arguello,
Santa Barbara County to take all species of
crabs (see regulations for take of Dungeness
crabs in traps from commercial passenger"]

I'm interested in trying Balboa, San Clemente, Newport piers - any others?
How much line do I likely need?

Thanks in advance!