#Maryland blue crab season license

A male crab is referred to as a “Jimmy,” and a female crab is called “Sally” or “She-crab.” Additionally, egg carrying female crabs are called a “Sook” or “Sookie.”īesides the blue crabs, you can also find tons of sponge crabs ranging from bright orange to brown and black colors. While male crabs have the usual blue-ish claws, females tend to have red tips on their claws.

You can easily differentiate between the male and female blue crabs by the color of their claws. You’ll also notice that the color of their claws is somewhat blue-ish, hence their name. Mature blue crabs are usually between 5 – 7 inches ( point to point measurement) with olive-green back and white legs and undersides.

Crabs of all kinds are available – mature, young, males, and females. During the crabbing season, you’ll find an abundance of succulent blue crabs in the Virginian waters. Virginia is one of the six states that enjoy the riches of the Chesapeake Bay. In Virginia, crabbing season usually begins from the first or second week of March (late spring) and end around the last week of November (early winter).

#Maryland blue crab season license

Also, the best part is you don’t need a license for recreational crabbing in Virginia’s salt waters, provided that you don’t use any commercial crabbing gear. Most Virginian households love crabbing for dinner or just as a fun holiday activity. On the other hand, recreational crabbing in Virginia is easy and fun. Crabbing for a living is quite a hard life in Virginia because of the intense and massive competition among the locals. However, you’ll need a permit or license from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission for commercial crabbing in the state. It is a major industry for both the Eastern Shore and the Chesapeake Bay. The crabbing scene in Virginia primarily falls into two types – recreational and commercial. Quick pre-marked indicators for 5, 6 and 6 1/4 inches.Great for Dungeness, Red Rock & Blue Crab.