Summary of the basic changes resulting from the recreational crab legislation of 2001 and expected to be effective April 20, 2001.
The current license structure and fees are:
- $2 for a holder of a Chesapeake Bay Sportfishing License
- $5 for a resident
- $10 for a non-resident
- $40 Chesapeake Bay Special Pleasure Boat Sport Fishing License (CBSPBL)
A new license for a Recreational Crabbing Boat established at a fee of $15
The $40 CBSPBL is valid as a Recreational Crabbing Boat License. The complimentary fishing license issued to the boat owner of a licensed sportfishing boat is valid as the owner's individual recreational crabbing license.
Recreational crabbers may not set recreational crabbing gear from boats until ½ hour before sunrise.
INDIVIDUAL CRABBING
A license is required of an individual who uses the following gear or takes the following quantity of crabs:
- Trotline (1200 feet of baited line maximum allowed)
- 11 to 30 traps or rings
- Up to 10 eel pots for own bait
- More than 2 dozen with a limit of 1 bushel of hard crabs
- More than 1 dozen with a limit of 2 dozen soft crabs or peelers
A license is NOT required of an individual of the following age or who uses only the following gear and takes the following quantity of crabs:
- less than 16 years of age
- 10 or fewer traps and rings
- dipnets
- handlines
- No more than 2 dozen hard crabs
- No more than 1 dozen soft crabs or peelers
CRABBING FROM A BOAT
A recreational crabbing boat may be licensed
- The fee for a Recreational Crabbing Boat License is $15
The owner of the licensed recreational crabbing boat is also issued a complementary statewide Individual Recreational Crabbing License
The Chesapeake Bay Special Pleasure Boat Sport Fishing License (fee of $40) is valid as a Recreational Crabbing Boat License.
CRABBING GEAR
If the boat is licensed for recreational crabbing by either the Recreational Crabbing Boat License (new at a $15 fee) or the Chesapeake Bay Special Pleasure Boat License or at least one person in the boat possesses an individual recreational crabbing license:
- 1200 feet of trotline (baited portion)
- Maximum 30 crab traps or rings
- Handlines
- Dipnets
Catch Limits For A Licensed Boat:
Without any persons in the licensed boat who also possess an Individual Recreational Crabbing License;
- 1 bushel of hard crabs
- 2 dozen soft crabs or peelers
Owner of the licensed boat in the boat with unlicensed crabbers;
- 1 bushel of hard crabs
- 2 dozen soft crabs or peelers
If 2 or more licensed persons are in the licensed boat;
- 2 bushels of hard crabs
- 2 dozen soft crabs or peelers
CATCH LIMITS FOR A UNLICENSED BOAT:
Without any licensed persons in the unlicensed boat;
- 4 dozen hard crabs
- 1 dozen soft crabs or peelers
One licensed crabber in the boat alone or with unlicensed crabbers;
- 1 bushel of hard crabs
- 2 dozen soft crabs and peelers
If 2 or more licensed persons in the unlicensed boat;
- 2 bushels of hard crabs
- 4 dozen soft crabs or peelers
Possession of soft crabs and peelers by anglers and charter boats: No limit for possession of soft crabs and peelers for use as bait for the purpose of sportfishing.
From the MD DNR web site & updated ... April 20, 2001
Posted: 5-1-2001
