On October 13 at 8 a.m. the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) reopened most marine areas in Puget Sound, including local marine area 7, for recreational crabbing. Crab may be harvested seven days a week until December 31.

The daily catch limit in Puget Sound is five male Dungeness crab, with hard shells a minimum of 6¼ inches wide. In addition, fishers may catch six red rock crab of either sex per day, provided those crab measure at least 5 inches across. Additional information is available on WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/crab/. 

All crab caught in the late-season fishery must be recorded on winter catch cards, which are valid until Dec. 31. Winter cards – free to those with crab endorsements – are available at the Point Roberts Marina. Winter catch reports are due to WDFW by Feb. 1, 2013.