What license do I need to crab in Puget Sound?
State law requires all recreational Dungeness crab fishers in Puget Sound to have a Dungeness crab endorsement and a current CRC. Youth anglers under the age of 15 are not required to purchase a fishing license, however, they are required to have a Puget Sound crab endorsement and maintain a CRC.
Are crab traps illegal in WA?
Crab Trap – Illegal in WA Waters.
What’s the best time to catch crabs?
The best time to catch crabs is while the water is moving, especially when the tide is coming in. As high tide approaches, crabs are pulled toward shore as they actively feed on tiny aquatic creatures that are stirred up by the moving water; this makes them easier to find and catch.
What is the best bait for Dungeness crabs?
Best Dungeness Crab Bait Fresh baits work best. Save any filleted carcasses of salmon, trout, rockfish or lingcod because they make excellent bait for Dungeness Crab. Also, I have done very well with chicken, turkey legs and herring.
Where is the best place to catch crabs?
And while you can crab by boat, the great thing about crabbing is that you can have just as much success from land. Crab prefer to be near structures, so when planning your trip, look for spots like docks, piers, and jetties. Freshwater crabs like fiddler and red crabs are best fished in shallow water near land.
What size crab can you keep?
5¾ inches
The daily bag limit is 10 crab, and the minimum size limit is 5¾ inches. Recreational crabbing is not allowed from vessels licensed for commercial Dungeness crab fishing.
How to report your crab catch on WDFW?
Can I report my catch data online? 1 Crab catch reports can be entered using WDFW’s online licensing system. 2 The reporting site is open from the end of the crab season through the reporting deadline. 3 At this time online reporting is not available for fish catch reports; those cards must be mailed in.
How to report Dungeness crab catch in Washington?
CRCs must be reported online or returned to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife by mailing it to the address printed on the card. Failure to return your CRC card or report the catch online by the deadlines printed on the card will result in a $10 penalty on your next crab endorsement purchase.
How are crab catches recorded in Puget Sound?
Two-card reporting system: All sport crabbers fishing in Puget Sound are required to report their Dungeness crab catch on separate summer and fall/winter catch record cards at the end of each season. The new cards are separate from the multi-species card used for recording catches of salmon, halibut and other fish.
Is there a Washington State crab record card?
Puget Sound Dungeness Crab Catch Record Card : This card is issued at no charge with the Puget Sound crab endorsement. There is a catch record card for summer and one for fall/winter. If you plan to fish for salmon in Canadian marine waters and return to Washington with your catch in your boat, you must notify WDFW before leaving state waters.