As of April 8, Dungeness crab fishing season will end for the central and southern coasts of California
Crab fishing is a popular recreational activity for many Californians with Dungeness crab being one of the most prized catches. However, crab season in California has specific opening and closing dates that fishermen need to follow. In this article we’ll provide an overview of when crab season opens along the California coast, rules and regulations, tips for catching Dungeness crab, and more.
Overview of Crab Season in California
The opening of crab season in California is dependent on two key factors: location and species.
For Dungeness crab, the season opens earlier north of the Sonoma/Mendocino county line and later for areas to the south. Up north, the season opens November 4 and remains open until June 30 south of the county line or July 30 north of it. During the 2024 season, the central and southern coasts closed early on April 8 due to elevated whale entanglement risk.
For rock crab species like red, yellow, and brown crab, the season is open year-round statewide. However, crab traps cannot be used for any species between the Sonoma/Mendocino county line and Point Conception from April through October due to whale migration. Crabs may still be caught using hoop nets, snares, or by hand in this zone during the summer months.
California Crab Fishing Rules and Regulations
Recreational crab fishermen need to follow certain rules and regulations in California Here are some key points
- Fishing license required for ages 16+
- Daily bag limit: 10 Dungeness crab, 35 rock crab
- Minimum size: 5 3⁄4 inches for Dungeness, 4 inches for rock crab
- Gear restrictions: No crab traps south of Sonoma/Mendocino county line from April – October
There are also restrictions around harvesting female Dungeness crabs. It’s illegal to keep females, which can be identified by their wide abdominal flap. Crabs should be measured immediately and any undersized or female crabs returned to the water.
Tips for Catching Dungeness Crab in California
The best time to catch Dungeness crab is once the season opens in early November, Some tips for having a successful crab fishing trip include
- Use appropriate bait like squid, anchovies, or rockfish. Fresh bait works best.
- Focus efforts in areas with sandy or muddy seabeds, around jetties, piers, and mouths of bays or estuaries.
- Use heavy enough weights to keep bait on or near the ocean floor where crabs live.
- Check crab traps frequently and rebait as needed.
- Target depths of 10-60 feet.
Hoop nets, snares, and crab pots can all be effective gear for catching Dungeness crab recreationally. Many pier and jetty fishermen have success with drop lines baited with squid or fish.
What’s Next for Crab Season 2025 and Beyond?
Heading into 2025, there will likely continue to be tight restrictions on the crab fishery in central and southern California due to whale entanglement concerns. The early season closure in the spring of 2024 was enacted to protect migrating whales and could occur again next year.
Fishery managers are working to find solutions to balance the needs of the crab fishing industry and whale conservation efforts. This includes research into rope-less gear alternatives for commercial crab pots.
For recreational fishermen, be sure to check current regulations each year before heading out. And as always, put safety and responsible fishing practices first to enjoy California’s spectacular coastal crab fishery for seasons to come.
Lumpia eating contest this weekend
If you’re the type who’s always wanted to live out your Joey Chestnut hot dog-eating dreams on Coney Island, there’s a lower-stakes competitive eating contest this weekend to try your hand at. The 2nd Annual Lumpia Eating Contest is scheduled for Saturday, March 30, KQED reports, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 821 Houret Court in Milpitas. The fastest person to eat 30 lumpia within the 7-minute time limit will win prizes, including bragging rights, of course (although contestants will need to sign a liability waiver beforehand). Food and retail vendors will be selling goods to competitors and non-competitors alike.
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California regulators delay start to Dungeness crab season
When does Dungeness crab season open in California?
After three delays, the commercial Dungeness crab season in California will finally open on New Year’s Eve, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Thursday. The start of the season had been curtailed to protect humpback whales from becoming entangled in trap and buoy lines.
When does Dungeness crab fishing start?
Click Here to see our current offers. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the commercial Dungeness crab fishing season will start January 5 for fishing zones 1 and 2 (from the Sonoma/Mendocino County line to the Oregon/ California border), while continuing the delay in fishing zones 3-6 (south of Sonoma/Mendocino County).
When does crabbing season start?
The commercial fishing season was initially set to begin November 15 but was continually delayed due to the migration of the humpback whales. Sport crabbing season — as in the non-commercial season — began on November 5, but with the restriction on using only hoop nets or snares.
Where can I fish for crabs in California?
The opener is only for fishing zones 1 and 2, which includes the stretch of coast from the Oregon-California border to the Sonoma-Mendocino county line. The areas south of the Sonoma-Mendocino county line to the U.S.-Mexico border, including the waters around San Francisco, will remain closed for commercial crab fishing.