Recreational Crabbing
Everything you need to know to catch your own Dungeness crab safely and legally.
REGULATIONS
LICENSE
Required for anyone 16 years and older.
BAG LIMIT
10 Dungeness crabs per person per day.
SIZE LIMIT
5 ¾ inches across the shell (lateral spines).
Must carry a measuring device.
LOCATION
Ocean waters ONLY. No taking from SF Bay.
San Francisco Bay is a protected breeding ground.
SEASON
Recreational: Jan 5, 2026. Commercial: Jan 2026.
GEAR & METHODS
CRAB TRAPS
The most effective method. Rigid wire cages with bait boxes. Must have escape rings for small crabs and biodegradable cotton to prevent ghost fishing.
HOOP NETS
Effective and easier to transport. Requires more active monitoring as crabs can crawl out if the net is not pulled up quickly.
SNARES
Used with a fishing rod and reel. Small cages with loops that cinch around the crab's legs. Popular for pier fishing.
PRO TIPS
- TIDES MATTER: Slack tide (high or low) is often the best time as crabs are more active and your gear stays in place.
- BAIT: Squid, chicken, or fish carcasses work well. The smellier, the better.
- IDENTIFICATION: Learn to identify male vs. female crabs. While females can be taken legally in CA, many throw them back to support the population.
- SAFETY: Never turn your back on the ocean. Watch for sneaker waves when fishing from shore or jetties.
WARNING
Always check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website for the latest updates on season delays due to whale entanglement risk or domoic acid levels.