Delaware Crabbing Regulations

Crabbing is one of the major industries in Delaware. A fishing license is required for crabbing, and the license covers freshwater and saltwater crab harvesting. Blue crabs are often caught along Delaware beaches. Each year, Delaware celebrates its abundant sea life at a Coast Day Crab Cake Cook-off. Amateur and professional cooks compete for the best crab cake recipe, using only blue crab meat. The competition is held at the University of Delaware.

  1. Legal Crabbing Equipment in Delaware

    • Crab traps, trot lines, dip nets, seine nets and hand lines are legal crab fishing gear in Delaware. Each person is allowed two crab pots, and seine nets must be no longer than 300 feet. There are no restrictions on crab traps, trot lines, dip nets or hand lines.

    Crab Season, Areas and Limits in Deleware

    • The only seasonal limit on crabs in Delaware is on using crab pots, which may not be used between December 1 and the last day of February. Crabbing is legal in all Delaware waters. There is a limit of one bushel of blue crabs per person per day unless you obtain a commercial crab license.

    Legal Crab Size in Deleware

    • Blue crab must be at least 5 inches from tip to tip across the dorsal shell, unless it is a mature hard-shell female with a U-shaped apron. These females are often less than 5 inches. Soft shell crabs must be 3 1/2 inches from tip to tip. Peelers, crabs that are getting ready to molt, must be at least 3 inches tip to tip.

    Recreational Crabbing Regulations in Deleware

    • Unless you have a commercial crab license, you are considered a recreational crabber in Delaware. Under these restrictions, you may not tend another person's crab pot while they are absent. You are also restricted from selling, trading or bartering crabs or attempting to do so. You must tend your crab pots at least every 72 hours, and you are not permitted to take or possess a female with eggs or eggs that are removed. Dredges and trowels are prohibited, and you are not allowed to set pots, traps or trot lines in designated channels.