Crabbing is one of Washington's most favored recreational fisheries. Each year, leisure crabbers catch greater than 1.5 million lbs of Dungeness crab utilizing pots, ring nets, and — in the case of wade and dive fishers — their bare hands.

ensure that you have the right license (and if you are crabbing from the Puget Sound space the Dungeness crab capture file card), and learn more about Just about every of the types of crab it is possible to catch and preserve in Washington waters:

Crab fishing seasons and restrictions and Dungeness crab reporting needs may possibly vary by place. click on the website link underneath with the maritime spot you propose to reap from And you will find specifics on each day limitations, minimum size, and so on.

This webpage will compile the newest news and reports on crabbing in MD. This will be current periodically all through the blue crab time so that you could monitor inhabitants, achievement prices, population and conservation in 2024.

with the ability to crab yr-spherical can be quite a luxurious, however, some locations only make it possible for for a particular time span where you have to catch and maintain your crabs. distinct states have different restrictions regarding this. you might want to Verify with your local state shell fishing rules and restrictions to verify.

The new playing cards are different from your multi-species card used for recording catches of salmon, halibut together with other fish. persons of any age who've a crab endorsement and received a catch record card are needed to create a report even though they didn't go crabbing or capture any crab.

Officials say the 2024 period can have comparable principles and laws which were in place previous year, however some regions can be closed off all summer months based on how well the Dungeness crab populations are accomplishing.

All crab, shrimp, and crawfish pots must be Outfitted using a biodegradable unit (rot/escape wire) which need to be affixed to your pot; see Activity fishing policies For added aspects.

Two-card reporting technique: All Activity crabbers fishing in Puget Sound are required to report their Dungeness crab capture on separate summer season and Wintertime capture report playing cards at the conclusion of Just about every time.

Sure, it is possible to crab 12 months-spherical. And Indeed, There exists a semi-ideal time and energy to crab but what time during the day should you crab? Catch fee and achievements can be dependent on the tide. if the tide is transferring, that is normally the top time for you to set traps to catch crabs.

supplemental regulations for pot use use. leisure crabbers should critique the in depth statewide gear policies out there on the web and while in the Activity fishing rules pamphlet beneath Shellfishing Rules. 

Pot closure dates differ by region. remember to see the marine location laws beneath for information. find out more and get techniques for coastal crabbing in this 2023 WDFW blog publish: Test your equipment: below’s what’s legal in the course of crab pot closure in coastal marine spots.

Crabbers have to launch all tender-shell crabs and all Dungeness crab ladies to support population health. find out how to discover gentle-shell crabs on this webpage.

Crab fishers may possibly fish for crab in Oregon waters less than read more Oregon principles and land into Washington ports on the Columbia River. A resident license from both point out is needed.

Shrimp: Two pots for every person, and not more than 4 shrimp pots may very well be onboard or fished by any one boat at any given time.

Puget audio crabbers: make sure to submit your capture document Card also to not established pots in ferry or shipping and delivery lanes. be sure to also stay clear of obstructing marina entrances or boat launches.