What are the rules for crabbing?

While on a crabbing charter boat in Ocean City you do not need a licence. Get Sum crabbing trips cover all licencing, bait and equipment. If you are out on your own, it is important to follow the rules not just to avoid a fine but to sustain the population of blue crab in the bay. 

Maryland Blue Crab Regulations

As a rule, never depend on regulations posted by any website other than the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. 
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​This is the most dependable source of information for Maryland crabbing regulations. 

Maryland Crabbing Licence

Crabbing license are generally valid for one full year. Licences rang from $5 for residents to $10 for non residents. As a recreational crabber you also have the option for $15 to cover everyone on your boat. If you own a home on the water you will need to register your pot for free. You may crab without a licence with a dip net or a handline but have the same limits as licenced crabbers.

A recreational crabbing license cover those who use collapsible crab traps, eel pots for bait, net Rings, seines and trotlines.

Maryland Blue Crab Limits

The 2020 crab limits for recreation are 
  • More than 24 with a limit of one bushel of male hard crabs
  • More than 12 with a limit of 24 soft crabs or male peelers

Recreational Crabbing Links

More Crabbing Information

  1. ​Intro to crabbing
  2. ​​Where to crab in Ocean City Maryland
  3. What are the regulations for crabbing in Ocean City, Maryland?
  4. ​How to cook crabs Maryland style
  5. How to pick a Maryland blue crab
  6. How to crab in Ocean City, Maryland
  7. How to Handline for crabs in Ocean City Maryland
  8. How to run a trotline in Ocean City Maryland
  9. Using collapsible crab traps in Ocean City, Maryland
  10. ​-Using crab pots in Ocean City, Maryland