As the days shorten and the weather cools, female blue crabs start scuttling southwards and male crab head for deeper waters. To possess an egg-bearing (sponge) crab or any female hard or peeler crab. Maryland moved Monday to reduce the commercial harvest of female blue crabs in the aftermath of a survey finding that the Chesapeake Bay's crab population hit a five-year low last winter. Yes, we know that sounds weird, but Maryland has strict rules regarding the size of the crabs you're allowed to catch, as well as the crab's sex (example: it is illegal to possess female crabs in the Chesapeake, but mature female crabs in the Atlantic tributaries are fine). To set or fish a trotline, collapsible trap or crab net ring within 100 feet of another individual’s set gear. And watermen start resetting their lines of crab pots, trying to guess when and where the crabs will be moving during their down Bay migration. To set or fish a trotline, collapsible trap or crab net ring within 100 feet of another individual’s set gear. In December, as the weather cools down, crabs from the Chesapeake Bay head towards the warmer waters. The male's apron is long and slender, resembling an inverted "T". INDIVIDUAL CRABBING. The minimum size for soft crab is 3 1/2 inches during the entire season. A license is required of an individual who uses the following gear or takes the following quantity of crabs: . Don't forget to bring a ruler! The biggest, heaviest crabs are typically harvested during the fall months (September to mid-November). The Maryland Department of Natural Resources decided earlier this year to ease its catch caps on female crabs this summer. Mate-seeking female peeler crabs are attracted to the lone male and will enter the pot and become trapped. The Department of Natural Resources announced that it was lowering the daily allowable catch of female crabs, effective Thursday. Crabs can also be identified by the nine marginal teeth behind each eye, with the last pair of teeth ending in a sharp spine. It is Illegal for a Recreational Crabber: To sell crabs. Male and female crabs can be distinguished by examining their apron, which is folded and fitted snugly into a groove on the underside of the crab. Catonsville, MD. To possess an egg-bearing (sponge) crab or any female hard or peeler crab. 21228. A specially designed crabpot used to catch mate-seeking female peeler crabs. The peak season for Maryland Blue Crabs is from April to the end of November. Lest you feel morally superior for only eating males, keep in mind that the crab in crab cakes, crab dips and other products containing lump crab meat usually comes from female crabs. Trotline (1200 feet of baited line maximum allowed) floats must be the same size, color and shape To fish crab gear which belongs to another person. The DNR posted a public notice May 30 that daily bushel limits for harvesting female crabs would be relaxed for almost all types of commercial crabbing beginning July 1. The Department of Natural Resources announced that it was lowering the daily allowable catch of female crabs… To fish crab … Soft crab: April 1–Dec. Autumn can be busy time for blue crabs and those who would catch them. Since 2008, they've restricted the catch of female crabs - each of which can produce more than 8 million eggs in her lifetime - in hopes of protecting more of them so they can produce baby crabs. Location: 829 Frederick Rd. If you have any questions about our blog, “Maryland to Reduce Catch Limits on Female Crabs by 20-40%,” or now have an overwhelming urge to eat some delicious Maryland Blue Crabs, please contact Catonsville Gourmet by calling 410-788-0005 or visit CatonsvilleGourmet.com today! Soft crab: April 1 to December 15—3½ inches; It is illegal for a recreational crabber: To sell crabs. 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