Crab-catching season, which is popular as a representative winter sport in the Seattle area, has begun in earnest. Relatively accessible beaches in Seattle and Tacoma also opened this week.
The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced that crabbing will be allowed in the Seattle/Bremerton area (Marine Area 10) and Tacoma/Bassion Island (Marine Area 11) starting on the 15th.
Recreational crabbing has been allowed in most parts of the Puget Sound since October 1st. Bonilla-Tatousi Line, Sekiu, East Juan de Fuca Strait, San Wan Island, Deception Pass, Hope Island, Skagit Bay, Port Susan, Port Gardner, Admiralty Inlet, parts of Hood Canal north of Ayoke Point, etc. to be.
However, the canal south of Ayoke Point and South Puget Sound will remain closed this season due to water conservation concerns, WDFW added. In all regions, crabbing is allowed until the end of the year.
A license is required for crabbing in the Puget Sound area.
If you want to catch Dungeness crab, you must fill out a catch record card. The number of fish that can be caught per day is also limited. Dungeness crabs are limited to five males 6.4 inches or larger per day, and red rock crabs, regardless of gender, are limited to six 5 inches or larger. Regardless of gender, you can catch up to 6 red snow crabs that are 4.5 inches or larger.
Licenses and catch record cards are available from license vendors throughout the state. WDFW said, “Denjinis crabs caught at a late time like these days must be recorded,” and “winter crab catch record cards must be submitted by February 1 of the following year.” Violation will result in a $10 fine.
According to WDFW, 1.5 million tonnes of Dungeness crab are caught by non-fishers who simply enjoy crabbing for sport.