Recreational Crabbing Starts on April 1

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Published by admin on March 24, 2023

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Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources officially opens the state’s blue crab season on April 1 for the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay regions. The start of blue crab season is a great Maryland tradition and for many area residents, is the start of springtime and a way to celebrate nicer weather.

A special experience that brings us closer to nature, crabbing allows us to enjoy our state’s beautiful waters. It gives us a closer look at Maryland’s iconic species and the environment where it thrives. Those fortunate enough to have a good catch can enjoy a fun feast that has been a strong aspect of Maryland’s culture for many generations.

Maryland’s Rules & Regulations

There a several different methods for catching blue crab in our state. If you are planning to catch Callinectes sapidus, the scientific name of Chesapeake blue crab, which means “savory, beautiful swimmer”, spend a little time reading Maryland’s rules and regulations.

A recreational crabbing license is required for every person using collapsible crab traps, net rings, eel pots, trotlines, or seines. A license is also required by those who catch more than two dozen hard crabs. There is a limit of one bushel. A license is also required for those who catch more than a dozen male peelers or soft crabs or male peelers, which are limited to a total of two dozen.

For owners, tenants or lessees of private real estate on the shore, a license is not required for crabbing on their own properties. They are limited to two registered crab pots, which must have a turtle excluder device in each entry funnel. The owner’s name and address must also be on each pot.

Recreational crabbing in the Atlantic Ocean or coastal bays does not require a license. In addition, passengers on boats with a valid crabbing license will not need individual crabbing licenses.

It is prohibited for recreational crabbers to sell crabs or possess a sponge crab (egg-bearing), a female hard, or peeler crab.

You can also enjoy your crab the easy and delicious way by dinning at The Crab Shack.

Prep for Your Crab Feast Here: The Crab Shack Menus for Crofton and Edgewater.

Craving Crab?

Lovers of fat, juicy crab and amazing seafood don’t have to drive to Baltimore, Ocean City, Hooper’s Island, or Annapolis anymore. Stay close to home and enjoy wonderful deliciousness all year around at the two locations below!