Home
The Blue Crab
Crabbing
Locations
Cooking Crab
Crab Recipes
Crabbing Blog
Conservation
Contact Us
Share a Story
Book


Rules and Regulations

Every state has rules and regulations around crabbing. Most importantly, these rules ensure we continue to have a strong crab population for years to come. Most often, these rules are made by the Department of Natural Resources for your state. Please see your state's DNR website for additional information.

South Carolina Crabbing Regulations

  • You will need to purchase a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License. If DNR catches you without one, you are at risk for a ticket. Licenses range from $5 (14-day) to $10 (annual)for SC residents. For non-residents, licenses are $11 (14-day) to $35 (annual).

  • Blue crabs must be at least five inches long tip to tip of the shell. Smaller crabs should be thrown back so that they can grow larger.

  • Crab pots must display the crabbers name. Your pot will be underwater, so a metal tag of identification on your rope is a good idea.

  • Crabbing with more than two pots at a time requires a commercial crabbing license from DNR.

  • Crabs carrying eggs must be thrown back. You can identify a crab carrying eggs. Look at the apron of the female crab (underside of shell). A chain of orange eggs across the apron means she needs to be thrown back.


    		•