Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

Blue Crabs can grow up to 9 inches from point to point of their top shell (carapace).

Blue Crabs have a brilliant blue color on their front claws (tips are red on females) with an olive or bluish-green carapace.

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Season	Pots: March 1 to November 30; other gears Open Year Round A fishing license is required to crab in all waters of the State of Delaware.
Size Limit	Peeler - 3 inch minimum Soft-shell - 3½ inch minimum Hard-shell - 5 inch minimum The measurement is taken from the left point of the hard shell to the right point of the hard shell.
Daily Limit / Person	1 bushel
Delaware Range	Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay/tributaries and Inland Bays
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Abundant
General Habitat and Food Preferences	Blue Crabs can be found in almost all tidal waters. They will feed on a variety of live and dead fish, crabs, clams, snails, eelgrass, sea lettuce, and decayed vegetation.
Did You Know?	The Blue Crab's' scientific name (Callinectes sapidus) means "Beautiful Swimmer that is savory". Blue Crabs have exoskeletons (shells) that provide both structural support and protection. As they grow, they must molt, or shed their old shells and grow new ones. Blue Crabs have teeth in their stomach, that’s where they chew their food. They turn red when cooked.
Common Lures and Baits	Blue Crabs are harvested via pots, traps, baskets, trot lines, and handlines. Fish parts, chicken necks, and other assorted meat type baits are used.
Typical Sizes Caught	Blue Crabs can grow up to 9 inches from point to point but average around 5 to 6 inches point to point.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Blue Crabs are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament citation.
Delaware State Record	Blue Crabs are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

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