Marine Area 11 opens for recreational crab fishing Nov. 4

November 1, 2024

Marine Area 11 opens for recreational crab fishing Nov. 4

Action:  Opens recreational crab fishing seven days a week. 

Effective date:  Nov. 4 through Dec. 31, 2024.

Species affected:  Dungeness, red rock, and Tanner crab.

Locations:  Marine Area 11. 

Reason for action:  Preliminary summer harvest estimates indicate that sufficient harvestable crabs are available to open a partial winter recreational season in Marine Area 11.

Additional information:Marine Areas 4 East of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line, 5, 6, 7, 8-1, 8-2, 9, and 12 north of a line projected true east from Ayock Point have been open for recreational crab fishing since October 1. Updated estimates were needed to determine whether winter opportunity could be offered in Marine Areas 10 and 11.

Marine Area 12 south of a line projected true east from Ayock Point, Marine Area 10, and Marine Area 13 will remain closed for the remainder of 2024.

The daily limit in Puget Sound is five Dungeness crabs, males only, in hard-shell condition with a minimum carapace width of 6 1/4 inches. Crabbers may also keep six red rock crabs of either sex per day with a minimum carapace width of 5 inches, and six Tanner crabs of either sex with a minimum carapace of 4 1/2 inches. All Dungeness crabs retained during this time must be recorded on a winter catch record card. It is unlawful to set or pull shellfish gear from a vessel from one hour after official sunset to one hour before official sunrise. 

Information contact: Don Velasquez, Mill Creek Regional Office, (425) 725-3038.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.