A SPATE of crab pot thefts has left Cairns professional fishermen "ropeable" and thousands of dollars out of pocket.

Cairns resident Pete Hodgetts, a professional fisherman for more than 30 years, has had 42 crab pots stolen since Christmas and is concerned the problem could escalate if the culprits are not caught soon.

"It’s got progressively worse, to the point of it’s a worry," he said.

"You lose two days from when your crab pots are stolen.

"It’s happening to a broad range of people."

Mr Hodgetts has already had one crab pot stolen this week and three last week.

He estimated the pots were worth about $50 each, taking his total loss since Christmas to $2100 — not including how much he could have made from the trapped crabs.

One fisherman recently had five out of seven pots stolen and another put eight along the Esplanade, only to have all of them vanish, Mr Hodgetts claimed.

The thefts are happening north and south of the main boat ramp at Smiths Creek and in particular at the bottom end of the Barron River.

Most raids happen on the weekend.

Mr Hodgetts, who works 70 hours a week, said it was heartbreaking to find on average three pots missing every seven days.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries patrol district officer, Bob Russell, confirmed complaints of crab pot interference in the Cairns district had been received.

Reports of illegal fishing activities can be phoned into the 24-hour toll-free Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116.

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