Long Island Blue Claw Crabbing

[leatherface]

First let's address the identification issues.









Currently in NY the regulations are as follows:

Hard Shell 4.5"
Soft Shell 3.5"
Peeler/Sheeder 3"

All have a bag limit of 50 per person, per day, all year.

2 things:

1. Crabs with eggs may not be taken or possessed. *I personally do not keep any females, pregnant or not.

2. Peeler/shedder is when the crab is about to molt or shed its hard outer shell. At this stage, the crab has a fully formed soft shell beneath the hard outer shell. The impending shedding process is evident by the white coloration along the outer rim of the paddle-like appendages on the crab's fifth pair of legs.

[fishinguy]

That's a nice post...and really informative. Go figure female has red tip claws

[leatherface]

Thanks! Feel free to add any information you wish! I am heading out crabbing this afternoon for the first time this season. I heard they were around about 1 month ago, but not too big. I'll let you know what I come across today.

[fishinguy]

Hope you do well and come home with a nice bushel of crabs.

[surfplug]

Nice informative post.

[leatherface]

OK.. So much for yesterdays outing. My son backed out on me and I just didn't feel like taking the trip alone. Hopefully I'll get out soon.

Has anyone else gotten out lately?

[fishinguy]

...oh man that sucks...hopefully you'll get out this weekend.

[leatherface]

Yeah.. He's been spending as much time with his friends as possible. They are all going back to school soon and then he'll be getting ready for the USCG. Hopefully they take him in quick.

[fishinguy]

Oh wow wish him the best. That's amazing. Hope he's taken right away.

[speedbump]

That's great to hear about your son Bob. Wish him the best. My 17yo is still trying to figure out which college to persue.

I love the blue claw crab information. Why can't the NYSDEC place this information at some of the area piers/docks? If everyone saw the rules, then violated them. It would be easier to hand out a summon.

[kendibs]

are any still around the island, or too late now?

[Kenny Tse]

where is the closest pier can catch blue crab on Long Island coast ?