can you keep female dungeness crab in california

Can You Keep Female Dungeness Crab in California? The Complete Guide

Catching and eating fresh Dungeness crab is a beloved tradition for many Californians. With a sweet, succulent flavor and plenty of meat, these large crustaceans make for an amazing meal. However, there are strict regulations regarding which crabs you can legally harvest. Specifically, female Dungeness crabs cannot be taken in California waters.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about identifying, measuring, and returning female Dungeness crabs while crabbing in California.

Why Can’t You Keep Female Dungeness Crabs in California?

The reason it’s illegal to keep female Dungeness crabs in California is sustainability. As crustaceans, Dungeness crabs must shed their shells in order to grow larger. Female crabs molt after mating and before carrying eggs. This molting period makes them vulnerable, so leaving egg-bearing females in the water ensures future generations.

Restricting the recreational take to males also prevents overfishing. Males grow faster and larger than females, making them better targets for sport fishing. Letting females reach maturity ensures a healthy population size for ongoing harvest.

How to Identify Male vs Female Dungeness Crabs

Telling the difference between male and female Dungeness crabs is easy with some basic knowledge. Here are the key characteristics to look for:

• Apron Shape: The abdomen (apron) on a female Dungeness crab is rounded, while the male’s is narrow and pointed. This is the most obvious visual difference.

• Apron Width: A female’s apron is much wider to accommodate egg clutches. A male’s apron is quite slender by comparison.

• Claw Size: Males have larger claws and legs overall, as they use them for mating and defense. Female claws tend to be smaller and more delicate.

If you cannot positively identify a crab as male, it should be returned to the water. When in doubt, let it out!

Minimum Size Limits for Keeping Dungeness Crab

In addition to sex, size is another factor that determines which Dungeness crabs you can legally harvest in California. There is a minimum size limit of 5 3⁄4 inches, measured as the shortest distance through the body from edge of shell to edge of shell, not including lateral spines.

You must carry an accurate measuring device and check each crab before keeping it. Crabs that are too small must be gently released back into the ocean. Keeping “shorts” is illegal and harms the breeding stock.

The minimum size was carefully selected to allow male crabs to reach sexual maturity and mate at least once before being harvested. While larger crabs will provide more meat per individual, respecting size regulations leads to more crabs to catch in the future.

How and Where You Can Catch Dungeness Crab

Recreational crabbing is permitted almost everywhere along the California coast north of Point Arguello. However, there are some location-specific regulations:

• San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay are closed to crab fishing. Do not attempt to catch Dungeness crab in these waters.

• Crab traps and snares are prohibited in the waters between Point Reyes (Marin County) and Sunset Beach (Monterey County). Hoop nets and hand capture only in this area.

• Crab trap restrictions may be enacted on short notice due to whale entanglement risk. Make sure to check the regulations before setting out your traps.

In permitted areas, you can catch crabs recreationally using the following approved methods:

• Crab traps: With appropriate buoys and a limit of 10 traps per person
• Crab snares: A single line with up to 6 loops
• Crab hoop nets: Typically with net mesh and two hoops
• Hand capture while free diving

Regardless of your harvesting method, only male Dungeness crabs of appropriate size may be kept. Return all females and sublegal shorts to the water with care.

Crab Season Dates for Northern and Southern California

California is divided into two management zones – Northern and Southern – for setting Dungeness crab season dates. Check the current regulations for specifics, as the season may change slightly year to year. Generally:

Northern California: From the Mendocino/Sonoma county line north, the season opens in early November and remains open until June or July.

Southern California: From Sonoma/Mendocino county line south, the season opens in early November and closes at the end of June.

No recreational crabbing for Dungeness crab is permitted outside of the designated season dates. Harvesting crabs is only open when the quality of the meat is best.

Daily Bag Limits for Dungeness Crab

Recreational crabbers in California can catch and keep up to 10 Dungeness crab per day. Simply keeping a daily 10 crab limit does not assure sustainability – only harvesting male crabs of legal size within an open season makes crabbing sustainable.

Once you’ve reached your 10 crab limit, you must stop crabbing for the day. You are permitted to catch more after the end of the day (12am), but you may never be in possession of more than 10 Dungeness crab at one time.

Responsible Crabbing and Sustainability

With knowledge of the regulations and responsible practices, recreational crabbers play an important stewardship role in maintaining California’s Dungeness crab populations.

Quick tips for responsible crabbing include:

• Carefully handle and return illegal crabs
• Respect all size, sex, seasonal, and location restrictions
• Report suspected poaching or illegal selling of recreationally caught crab
• Properly maintain gear and avoid whale entanglements
• Never wastefully discard crab meat

Additionally, consider participating in crab population surveys and educational events when available in your local community. Sustainability is a collaborative effort!

By following the regulations on keeping female crabs and staying informed of all size, catch, and seasonal restrictions, we can work together to preserve healthy ocean ecosystems and continue the cherished tradition of Dungeness crab feasts for generations to come.