Washington State Red Rock Crab Size Limit
Crabbing is a popular activity in Washington State, and one of the most sought-after species of crab in this region is the Red Rock Crab. The Red Rock Crab has a delicious meat that is often compared to the Dungeness crab but is smaller in size. If you are planning to go crabbing in Washington State, it is important to know the size limit for Red Rock Crab to ensure you are following the regulations and keeping the crab population sustainable.
What is the Size Limit for Red Rock Crab in Washington State?
The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife has set a minimum size limit of 5 inches for Red Rock Crab. This means that any Red Rock Crab caught that is less than 5 inches in width of the carapace (the hard upper shell) must be immediately released back into the water.
It is also important to note that there is no maximum size limit for Red Rock Crab in Washington State. This means that there is no limit to the size of the Red Rock Crab you can legally catch and take home.
Why Is There a Size Limit for Red Rock Crab?
The size limit for Red Rock Crab helps to ensure that the crab population remains sustainable. By only allowing the harvesting of Red Rock Crab that are at least 5 inches in size, the population is given a chance to reproduce and continue to thrive.
Additionally, Red Rock Crab that are less than 5 inches in size are often too small to have much meat and are not worth keeping. By releasing these smaller crabs back into the water, it allows them to continue to grow and contribute to the crab population.
What Happens If You Catch Red Rock Crab That Is Too Small?
If you catch a Red Rock Crab that is less than 5 inches in size, it must be immediately released back into the water. This is a regulation set by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and is enforced to ensure the sustainability of the crab population.
If you are caught with a Red Rock Crab that is too small, you could face fines or other penalties. It is important to measure each crab before deciding to keep it and make sure that it meets the 5-inch size limit requirement.
What Are the Best Ways to Catch Red Rock Crab?
There are several methods for catching Red Rock Crab in Washington State. The most popular methods include using a crab pot or trap, as well as hand-lining or using a crab ring.
A crab pot or trap is a popular option because it can be left in the water for an extended period of time and can catch multiple crabs at once. Hand-lining involves using a baited line and pulling in the crab by hand. A crab ring is similar to a crab pot, but it is smaller and can only catch one crab at a time.
When choosing your method for catching Red Rock Crab, it is important to check the regulations and make sure that you are using legal gear and following all size and bag limit requirements. You can visit the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife website for more information on legal gear and fishing regulations.
In Conclusion
Washington State is home to a thriving Red Rock Crab population, but it is important to follow the regulations and size limits set by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. The minimum size limit for Red Rock Crab is 5 inches, and any crabs caught that are less than 5 inches in size must be immediately released back into the water. By following the size limit requirements and using legal gear, we can all contribute to the sustainability of the Red Rock Crab population and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy this delicious crab species.
