Crabbing on Camano!

Crabbing Responsibly on Whidbey and Camano IslandsBy Inge MorasciniCrabbing is a beloved Northwest tradition, and Whidbey and Camano Islands offer prime access to Dungeness and red rock crab in the scenic waters of Saratoga Passage, Holmes Harbor, and Port Susan. It can be a fun and creative adventure, with several ways to catch these tasty creatures depending on your style and sense of adventure. Some people wade through shallow waters with a dip net or dip rake, scanning the sea floor for movement. This method provides hours of entertainment for youngsters. Others try casting special crabbing devices right from a fishing pole, adding a twist to the classic fishing experience. For the truly adventurous, scuba diving offers a chance to grab crabs by hand underwater—an up-close encounter with marine life! Many families opt for using crab pots, which are designed to trap and hold crabs until they're pulled to the surface. There are also ring nets and star traps, which allow crabs to come and go freely, making it a bit more of a waiting game, but just as exciting. Use weighted pots with biodegradable escape mechanisms to prevent "ghost fishing" from lost gear. Mark your pots clearly with your name and address and avoid placing them in busy boat channels.Keep in mind that with excellent access comes great responsibility. To crab sustainably, always check the current regulations of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for open days, legal limits, and size requirements. Only male Dungeness crabs measuring at least 6¼ inches across the shell may be kept. Female and soft-shell crabs must be released immediately to protect future generations.Engage the children in your group and let them be part of the effort to protect our sea life by letting them help record your catch on the catch record card (CRC) each day, even if you didn’t catch anything. This helps wildlife managers maintain a healthy population. Be sure to report your harvest by the deadline to avoid fines.Whether crabbing from shore at Double Bluff or launching a boat from Camano Island State Park, harvest only what you need and leave the beaches better than you found them. Responsible crabbing ensures this island tradition continues for years to come.Embrace the island way of life – share your catch and the story of your crabbing adventure with friends and family.Crabbing Areas & Marine Regulations

• Marine Area 8-1 (between Whidbey and mainland/Camano, including Saratoga Passage and Holmes Harbor) and 8-2 (Port Susan) open Thursdays–Mondays mid-Summer, with possible winter season running Oct–Dec razorclamming.com+14windermerestanwoodcamano.com+14whidbeycamanoislands.com+14camanoislandrealestate.com+7wdfw.wa.gov+7windermerestanwoodcamano.com+7.
• Gear rules: Only male hard-shell Dungeness ≥ 6¼″ allowed. Release females, soft-shells, and undersized ASAP eregulations.com+3wdfw.wa.gov+3wdfw.wa.gov+3.
• Permits: Recreational license, catch-record card (CRC), and crab endorsement are required in Puget Sound wdfw.wa.gov+4eregulations.com+4windermerestanwoodcamano.com+4.
• Submit catch info digitally or by mail to avoid fines reddit.com+15eregulations.com+15matthewkonsmo.com+15.

Piers are often crowded and offer limited opportunities for Dungeness crab. However, some good information on marine piers can be found online at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/piers/. Using a boat allows access to many of the most productive crab waters in Puget Sound and is the preferred method for reaching crab harvest grounds. It is illegal for boaters to pull gear that has a buoy with someone else’s name on it. Setting or retrieving gear from a boat is unlawful from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.

Things to Know

• Crabs must be sorted, and all undersized males, softshell crabs, and female Dungeness crabs must be released back into the water immediately.
• It is also illegal to keep only the claws of crabs.
• Female crabs can be identified by their wider abdominal flap as shown in the illustration.
• To measure male crabs, use a crab caliper available from most sporting goods vendors. Measure the distance inside the points. Do not measure to the tips of the points.
• The minimum size for male Dungeness crabs in Puget Sound is 6 1/4 inches. Measure carefully because estimating could result in possession of an undersized crab and a fine.
• When releasing crabs, take care to return them to the water gently. If crabbing from a pier, this may require lowering them down with a bucket.
• Any method that involves piercing the crab shell, poisons, or chemical irritants is illegal.

By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll help protect crab populations and enjoy a safe, sustainable seafood experience.