The Chesapeake Bay’s iconic blue crab is one of Maryland’s most beloved traditions. For centuries, crabbing has been ingrained in the state’s culture and identity. Locals eagerly await the start of crab season when they can enjoy these tasty crustaceans fresh from the bay. But when exactly does Maryland’s crab season begin?
An Overview of Maryland Crab Season Dates
In Maryland, the recreational blue crab season in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries runs from April 1 to December 15. The season extends a bit longer, until December 31, for the Atlantic Ocean and coastal bays.
The commercial crabbing season typically opens in early spring as well around March or April depending on regulations for that year. Commercial watermen are permitted to harvest crabs year-round.
Within the broader crab season, there are certain times that are optimal for crabbing. The peak months are generally April through November when the crabs are most active and plentiful.
Why Spring and Summer Are Ideal for Crabbing
The spring and summer months provide the best crabbing conditions for several reasons:
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Warmer temperatures – As the water warms in spring, crabs become more active and it’s easier to catch them.
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Molting season – Crabs shed their shells to grow larger in the summer. During this molting process, soft shell crabs are abundant.
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Mating and spawning – Mating occurs in late spring and summer More crabs are out and about during spawning season,
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Abundant food sources – Crabs feed heavily in summer to prepare for winter. More crabs congregate around bait.
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Long daylight hours – The extended daylight provides more time to crab in the evenings.
How Are Crab Season Dates Determined in Maryland?
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources carefully tracks blue crab populations and establishes crabbing regulations accordingly.
Several factors determine optimal season dates:
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Winter dredge survey – An annual survey measures the number of crabs bay-wide. This data helps estimate population size.
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Fishery-independent monitoring – Crabs are sampled year-round at set locations to assess populations.
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Harvest reports – Commercial reporting provides insight into crab harvests.
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Scientific research – Studies examine elements like crab reproduction, habitat, and diseases.
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Public input – Watermen, recreational crabbers, and others provide perspectives.
Changes to Keep in Mind for the 2025 Season
While the crab season dates remain consistent year to year, there are a few regulation changes and reminders for 2025:
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Crab pots must have turtle excluder devices to prevent diamondback terrapin drowning.
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The collapsible CRAB ALERT trap is illegal since it doesn’t require manual closing.
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Crabbers should verify their gear meets marking and licensing requirements.
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Recreational catch limits are 2 dozen crabs per person without a license, or a bushel with a license.
How to Take Part in Crabbing Season
When crab season rolls around, there are many ways Marylanders can get in on the action:
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Set crab pots or trotlines from your own dock or private shoreline. A free registration is required for up to 2 pots.
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Use handlines or dip nets off docks and piers – no license needed!
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Go on a guided crabbing excursion to learn techniques from experienced watermen.
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Visit a iconic crab house for steamed blue crabs doused in Old Bay seasoning.
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Check out a summer crab festival or the Maritime Museum to learn about crabbing heritage.
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Purchase fresh crab meat and soft shells from local markets to make your own crab cakes.
Crabbing Etiquette and Safety Tips
If you’re new to crabbing, keep these pointers in mind:
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Review all regulations before heading out. Different rules apply for recreational vs. commercial crabbing.
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Don’t keep egg-bearing female crabs (often called “sooks”). It’s illegal and harms future populations.
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Return terrapins and small crabs to the water safely so they can continue growing.
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Be mindful of other boats and allow a wide berth for commercial crabbing vessels.
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Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for boating safety.
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Bring sun protection, snacks, and drinking water to stay comfortable while crabbing.
Celebrating a Time-Honored Tradition
The start of crab season is an exciting time as Marylanders dust off their crab pots and make plans for summer feasts. Heading out on the waters of the Chesapeake to harvest crabs is a time-honored tradition connecting present generations to the past. With proper care and management, crab season can continue sustainably for generations to come.
So as the weather warms up, keep an eye out for announcements on the 2025 crab regulations. Before you know it, that delicious Maryland blue crab will once again be in season!
When and where can you catch crabs?
Blue crabs are found all along the Chesapeake Bay – from the top to the bottom of the estuary and along its snaking rivers and tributaries.
In April and October through Dec. 15, people are allowed to catch crabs in rivers, creeks and tributaries a half-hour after sunrise until sunset.
From May through September, people can go crabbing a half-hour before sunrise until sunset, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
In the Chesapeake Bay mainstem — the primary channel of the bay — crabbing is allowed in April and October through Dec. 15 a half-hour after sunrise until 5 p.m., and from May through September, a half-hour before sunrise until 5 p.m.
“Using handlines and dip nets is permitted 24 hours a day, as well as annually registered crab pots on private property,” according to the DNR.
No recreational crabbing is allowed on Wednesday except:
- When using crab pots from private property
- When using handlines or dip nets
- During a week when a state or federal holiday falls on a Wednesday or Thursday
What are the size limits for legal harvest?
The minimum size limits are measured across a crab’s shell from tip to tip of its spikes. The size requirement helps “protect blue crab populations and supports sustainable crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay,” according to the DNR.
Male hard crab:
- April 1 to July 14: 5 inches.
- July 15 to Dec. 15: 5.25 inches.
Male peeler crab:
- April 1 to July 14: 3.25 inches.
- July 15 to Dec. 15: 3.5 inches.
Soft crab:
- April 1 to Dec. 15: 3.5 inches.
Where’s Marty: Getting excited for the start of Maryland crab season
FAQ
What is the best month for Maryland crabs?
The peak season for iconic, blue, Rock Hall, Maryland, crabs is April through November. However, the biggest crabs are harvested from September to mid-November. So when you’re craving some fresh, delicious seafood, this is the time to visit our beautiful town.
When can you start crabbing in Maryland?
In Maryland, recreational crabbing season in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries opens on April 1st and runs through December 15th.
Are crabs in season in Maryland right now?
If you’re planning a trip to Maryland to experience crab season, it’s important to know when the best time to visit is. The peak crabbing season in the Chesapeake Bay typically begins in April and continues through November. During this time, the crabs are most plentiful and at their tastiest.
What is the season for Chesapeake Bay blue crabs?
Season. April 1–Dec. 15.
When is blue crab season in Maryland?
Maryland’s blue crab season runs from April 1 to December 15 in the Chesapeake Bay and December 31 in the Atlantic Ocean and its coastal bays and tidal tributaries. The state’s blue crab harvest accounts for over 50% of total U.S. landings.
When is crab season 2025 in Maryland?
The Maryland DNR sets strict guidelines for non-commercial crabbers to protect the blue crab population and other species, like the diamondback terrapin. Here’s what you need to know for 2025: Season Dates and Times: April 1 to December 15 in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries.
When is crab crabbing in Maryland?
During this long season, peak crabbing typically occurs May-August when crab numbers are highest. To crab recreationally in Maryland waters, you’ll need a valid license issued by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and follow all regulations for your license type:
What is the crabbing season?
This year’s recreational crabbing season runs: Through June 30, daily catch limits for male hard crabs are: You can’t sell your catch, and sponge crabs or any female hardshell or peelers must be released immediately.
When does crab season open?
The commercial season typically opens in April and runs 6-7 days a week through mid-November. Exact dates vary annually depending on crab populations. The recreational crab season opens later and is limited to weekends and designated holidays only from April through December 15.
When to eat crabs in Maryland?
Most of the Maryland crabs that are served in April and early May are ones that stayed north for the winter and dug themselves into the mud. Then, around Memorial Day, the first batch runs out, and crabbers wait for the crabs that are still making their way up the Bay. People like to eat crabs most and most of the time in June through August.