New York State has hundreds of miles of shoreline that provide abundant crabbing opportunities in the Marine and Coastal District, including the Hudson River and its tributaries. Crabbing is an inexpensive family fun activity that all ages can participate in.
- No permit or license is required to recreationally crab in New York.
- Visit DEC’s Saltwater Fishing Regulations for information about size and possession limits before you go crabbing.
- Take or possession of egg-bearing crabs is prohibited.
- Review the NYS Department of Health’s New York State Blue Crab Cooking & Eating Guide before you cook and eat your crabs.
DEC is asking for the assistance of recreational crabbers to report their crab harvest using DEC’s Recreational Blue Crab Survey and report any tagged crabs you may encounter to DEC’s Blue Crab Tagging Program.
The information you provide will help us better manage the New York blue crab fishery. For more information, visit Crabbing in New York.
