Dungeness crab season opens Saturday, Nov. 1

Recreational fishing season for Dungeness crabs opened statewide Saturday.

The crustaceans are one of the state’s most popular shellfish, according to the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.

Officials with the state organization say this season is looking to be an average one in terms of catches.

“Dungeness crab catches tend to be cyclic with several years of high crab numbers followed by a few years of lower catches,” said CDFW Environmental Scientist Christy Juhasz. “Recent seasons have been characterized by high Dungeness crab production so we may begin to see more average catches in the near future.”

The most popular methods for catching the crustaceans are with crab pots, loop traps and hoop nets. There’s no limit to the number of pots or nets that can be fished recreationally, except when fishing from a public fishing pier where only two fishing appliances may be used.

Recreational crabbers may keep up to 10 Dungeness crabs per day of either sex, or six crabs if fishing from a party boat south of Mendocino County. No one may possess more than one daily bag limit.

No Dungeness crabs can be taken from San Francisco or San Pablo bays, which are important crab nursery areas.

Traps and nets were not to be set before 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 1.

The recreational size limit for Dungeness crab is 5.75 inches measured across the shell, directly in front of and excluding the lateral spines. Crab taken from party boats south of Mendocino County must measure at least six inches across.

More information about recreational Dungeness crab fishing regulations can be found here on the CDFW’s website.