When is Maryland Blue Crab Season? A Guide to Crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay

Maryland and blue crabs go hand in hand. The Chesapeake Bay produces over 50% of the nation’s blue crab harvest, making it an iconic part of Maryland culture and cuisine. For many Marylanders, summertime means getting out on the water and bringing home a bushel of tasty crabs. If you’re looking to enjoy some delicious Maryland blue crabs this year, it’s important to know the crabbing regulations and season dates. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about when and how you can crab in Maryland.

An Overview of Maryland’s Blue Crab Season

The blue crab season in Maryland varies depending on which part of the state you are crabbing in. Here are the key facts:

• In the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, the recreational and commercial blue crab season runs from April 1st through December 15th. This is the core crabbing season when crab populations are at their peak.

• In the Atlantic Ocean coastal bays and tributaries, the season extends a bit longer, running from April 1st through December 31st

• There is no crabbing allowed in February or March to protect overwintering blue crab populations

Crabbing License and Gear Regulations

To go crabbing in Maryland, you’ll need to follow the regulations set by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

• All crabbers in the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters need to have a valid crabbing license. There are recreational, tidal fish, and commercial licenses available

• Each crabber is allowed to set certain types and amounts of gear depending on their license type. For recreational crabbers, the limit is typically 2 crab pots or 30 collapsible traps/rings.

• All gear must be marked with the crabber’s license number. There are also requirements on crab pot design, turtle reduction devices, and distance between crab pots.

• Limits are in place for the number and size of crabs that can be kept each day. It’s important to measure crabs correctly and follow the limits.

• Female and egg-bearing crabs must be released back into the water.

Following the crabbing regulations is critical to ensure the sustainability of Maryland’s precious blue crabs. DNR Natural Resources Police enforce the laws.

When to Go Crabbing in Maryland

While you can crab for a big portion of the year, there are certain times that are best:

• Early summer – The crabs are very active as water temperatures rise. Large males move into the tributaries and bays to feed and mate. Excellent eating quality.

• Early fall – After peeler/soft shell season ends in July, the fall crab meat becomes thick and tasty. Less competition from recreational crabbers this time of year as well.

• Avoid mid-summer – The heat makes crabs less active during the day. Quality and size goes down as many crabs start molting. More crowded waterways too.

• Avoid late fall/winter – Colder water sends crabs to deeper water and they become inactive. Meat is considered less flavorful and appealing.

Within each part of the season, your best chances for catching crabs is during moving tidal stages. Target slack tides and the 2-3 hours before/after for highest crab activity.

Where to Crab in Maryland

The Chesapeake Bay offers hundreds of miles of shoreline and tributaries to try your luck crabbing. Some top spots include:

• Upper Eastern Shore – Rivers like the Sassafras, Elk, and Northeast provide excellent crabbing and easy public access. Less crowded than down south.

• Tangier and Smith Islands – More open water and tidal currents around these islands congregate crabs. Many experienced crabbers work this area.

• Choptank River – A prime crabbing tributary that produces nice catches of big #1 Jimmies each summer. Great for small boat crabbing.

• Patuxent River – A standout spot for easy wading and shoreline crabbing in the southern bay region.

• Ocean City and Assateague – For later fall crabbing, the coastal bays and inlets around Ocean City can be very productive with hearty fall crabs running.

Within these regions, seek out areas with underwater grassbeds, oyster bars, pilings, and moving currents. And be prepared to move around until you locate where crabs are concentrated.

Tips for First-Timers

If you’ve never gone crabbing before, it can seem intimidating. Here are some tips to help you have a successful first crabbing experience in Maryland:

• Start small with simple handlines and dip nets. Easy to manage from docks and shore.

• Consider hiring an experienced guide for your first outing to learn techniques.

• Buy some frozen bait fish like menhaden to get crabs interested in your traps.

• Be ready to handle lively, snapping crabs safely. Wear gloves and have a bushel and mallet ready.

• Invest in a quality crab pot/trotline setup once you get hooked on the hobby.

• Obtain proper licenses, learn the regulations, and follow them.

• Start crabbing in late spring or early fall when fewer recreational crabbers are out.

• Bring plenty of snacks, water, sunscreen as you’ll be out for hours waiting for crabs.

• Have realistic expectations – some days you’ll catch a lot, other days just a few keepers. But that’s crabbing!

Crabbing Etiquette and Conservation

To keep crabbing a thriving Maryland tradition, there are some important etiquette and conservation considerations:

• Don’t set pots or lines in heavily trafficked areas. Avoid channels, inlets, bridges.

• Keep required distance between gear and other crabber’s setups.

• Retrieve all crab pots after each outing. Lost pots continue “ghost fishing”.

• Release any female crabs or undersized crabs quickly and carefully.

• Report violations like illegally keeping egg-bearing crabs to DNR.

• Keep the waters clean. Properly dispose of old bait and trash.

• Educate new crabbers on regulations and how to crab sustainably.

• Support organizations like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation that restore crab habitat.

By following some simple guidelines, we can preserve healthy blue crab populations and the cherished tradition of summer crabbing for generations to come.

So get ready to head out on the waters of Maryland and experience the joy of catching gorgeous blue crabs. Just be sure to check the regulations for the current season dates and limits. Have fun, bait those traps, and may your bushels be overflowing with tasty Chesapeake Bay blue crabs this season!