What size and limit rules apply to crabbing in Mobile Bay AL in 2027?

Direct Answer

Alabama's 2027 crabbing regulations in Mobile Bay enforce a minimum carapace width of 5 inches for hard-shell blue crabs, measured point-to-point across the widest section. No daily possession limit applies to recreational crabbers using dip nets, hand lines, or fold-up traps, but commercial operations must adhere to a 50-trap limit per license and a 1-inch minimum mesh size on traps. No egg-bearing females (sponge crabs) may be harvested or possessed, and all traps must be removed from the water by January 31, 2027, per the Alabama Marine Resources Division's seasonal closure rule. These rules are enforced under Alabama Administrative Code r. 220-3-.26 and r. 220-3-.28, with potential updates via the 2027 Alabama Legislature session. Always verify with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) before the season, as emergency closures due to red tide or hypoxia events can override standard limits.

Size and Measurement Rules

Minimum Carapace Width (5 inches)

The statewide minimum size for hard-shell blue crabs (*Callinectes sapidus*) in Alabama waters, including Mobile Bay, is 5 inches across the carapace (the hard upper shell). This measurement is taken point-to-point between the two longest spines on either side of the shell, not including the lateral spines. This rule applies to all recreational and commercial crabbers using any gear type. The Alabama Marine Resources Division enforces this under Alabama Administrative Code r. 220-3-.26, which has been consistent since 2018. Soft-shell or peeler crabs (those about to molt) have no minimum size but must be kept alive and not exceed a 1-gallon container per person if recreationally harvested.

Measurement Method

Use a standard ruler or caliper to measure across the widest part of the carapace, excluding the lateral spines. Do not measure from tip to tip of the spines—this is a common error. The ADCNR recommends measuring from the base of the left spine to the base of the right spine across the back. If the crab is exactly 5 inches, it is legal; anything under must be released immediately. Digital calipers (like those from Mitutoyo or Neiko) provide precise readings, but a metal ruler works fine.

Limit Rules by License Type

Recreational Limits

No daily possession limit exists for recreational crabbers using dip nets, hand lines, or fold-up traps (collapsible traps). However, no more than 5 fold-up traps per person are allowed, and each must be tagged with the owner's name and address. No commercial-style traps (e.g., wire mesh pots) are permitted for recreational use without a commercial license. No egg-bearing females (sponge crabs) may be taken, and no crabs under 5 inches may be kept. Soft-shell crabs are limited to 1 gallon per person per day recreationally.

Commercial Limits

Commercial crabbers must hold a valid Alabama Commercial Crab License ($250/year for residents, $1,000 for non-residents as of 2026). Daily trap limit is 50 traps per license, each tagged with a unique ADCNR-issued tag. Minimum mesh size is 1 inch (square or diamond) to allow juvenile crabs to escape. No more than 10% of catch may be undersized or egg-bearing females (enforced via bycatch limit). No trap may be left in the water unattended for more than 72 hours (3 days), and all traps must be removed by January 31, 2027, for the seasonal closure (February 1–March 15, 2027, typically).

Seasonal Closures and Special Rules

Annual Closure (February 1–March 15)

Alabama enforces a 6-week seasonal closure from February 1 to March 15 each year to protect overwintering crabs and allow spawning. During this period, no crab traps (recreational or commercial) may be deployed in Mobile Bay or any Alabama coastal waters. Dip nets and hand lines are still allowed for recreational harvest, but no traps of any kind are permitted. All traps must be removed from the water by January 31, 2027, or risk confiscation and fines up to $500 per trap.

Emergency Closures

The ADCNR Director may impose emergency closures if red tide (Karenia brevis blooms) or hypoxia (dead zones) are detected. In 2025, a 10-day closure occurred in Lower Mobile Bay due to a hypoxia event (dissolved oxygen below 2 mg/L). For 2027, monitor ADCNR's Marine Resources Division website and NOAA's Harmful Algal Bloom Bulletin for real-time updates. No recreational or commercial crabbing is allowed in closed areas until lifted.

Gear Restrictions and Tagging

Trap Specifications

Commercial traps must have at least two escape rings (1.5-inch diameter) on each side for juvenile crabs. Recreational fold-up traps must be collapsible (no rigid frames) and no larger than 24 inches per side. No plastic or metal mesh traps are allowed for recreational use—only wire mesh or nylon netting traps are permitted. All traps must be tagged with a non-reusable ADCNR tag (commercial) or owner's name/address (recreational). Untagged traps are considered abandoned and subject to removal.

Bycatch and Non-Target Species

Bycatch (incidental catch) of finfish, turtles, or other crustaceans must be immediately released alive. Sea turtles (especially loggerheads and Kemp's ridley) are protected under Endangered Species Act; any capture must be reported to ADCNR within 24 hours. No diamondback terrapins may be taken. Oyster dredging areas (leased or public) are off-limits to crab traps during oyster season (typically October–April) unless written permission is obtained.

Enforcement and Penalties

Fines and Citations

Violations of size, limit, or gear rules result in Class C misdemeanors in Alabama, with fines up to $500 per crab (undersized or egg-bearing) and $1,000 per untagged trap. Commercial license revocation (up to 1 year) for repeat offenders. ADCNR Conservation Officers patrol Mobile Bay via vessel and aircraft (including drones). Citizen tip lines (1-800-272-4263) allow reporting of violations anonymously.

Reporting Requirements

Commercial crabbers must submit monthly catch reports to ADCNR by the 10th of each month (even if zero catch). Reports include number of traps deployed, pounds of hard crabs, and number of peelers. Recreational crabbers have no reporting requirement but may be surveyed by NOAA Fisheries for Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) data. Failure to report (commercial) results in license suspension until compliance.

2027 Regulatory Outlook and Potential Changes

Proposed Rule Changes

The Alabama Marine Resources Advisory Council is considering three changes for 2027:

1. Reducing recreational trap limit from 5 to 3 to reduce gear conflicts.
2. Increasing minimum mesh size from 1 inch to 1.25 inches for commercial traps.
3. Extending seasonal closure to February 1–April 1 (8 weeks) to protect spawning stock.

These are not yet law as of January 2027, but public hearings are scheduled for February 2027 in Daphne, AL. Check ADCNR's website for final decisions.

Federal Consistency

Alabama's rules must be consistent with the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council's (GMFMC) Blue Crab Fishery Management Plan (FMP) if approved. The GMFMC is considering a regional minimum size of 5.5 inches for the entire Gulf, which would override Alabama's 5-inch rule. No federal action is expected before 2028, but monitor GMFMC meetings for updates.

FAQ

What is the minimum size for blue crabs in Mobile Bay in 2027? The minimum carapace width is 5 inches, measured point-to-point across the widest section, excluding lateral spines. This applies to all hard-shell crabs.

Is there a daily limit for recreational crabbing in Alabama? No, there is no daily possession limit for recreational crabbers using dip nets, hand lines, or fold-up traps. However, you are limited to 5 fold-up traps per person and 1 gallon of soft-shell crabs per day.

Can I use crab traps during the closed season (February 1–March 15)? No, all crab traps (recreational and commercial) must be removed from the water by January 31, 2027. Dip nets and hand lines are still allowed during the closure.

What are the penalties for keeping an egg-bearing female crab? Possessing an egg-bearing (sponge) crab is a Class C misdemeanor, with fines up to $500 per crab. The crab must be immediately released alive.

Do I need a license to crab recreationally in Mobile Bay? No recreational license is required for dip nets or hand lines from shore or a pier. However, if you use fold-up traps, you must have a valid Alabama Saltwater Fishing License ($27/year for residents). Commercial licenses are required for wire mesh traps.

What gear is prohibited for recreational crabbing? Commercial-style wire mesh traps, plastic mesh traps, and any trap with rigid frames are prohibited for recreational use. Only fold-up collapsible traps (nylon or wire) with owner identification are allowed.

How do I measure a crab correctly? Use a ruler or caliper to measure across the carapace from the base of the left spine to the base of the right spine, not including the lateral spines. The crab must be at least 5 inches wide to keep.

Sources

• Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – Crabbing Regulations
• Alabama Administrative Code r. 220-3-.26 (Blue Crab Size and Possession Limits)
• Alabama Administrative Code r. 220-3-.28 (Crab Trap Requirements)
• Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council – Blue Crab FMP
• NOAA Fisheries – Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP)
• Alabama Marine Resources Division – Seasonal Closures
• National Sea Grant – Blue Crab Life Cycle and Management
• Smithsonian Marine Station – Callinectes sapidus Species Profile

Bottom Line

For 2027, focus on the 5-inch minimum size, no egg-bearing females, and the February 1–March 15 trap closure. Recreational crabbers have no daily limit but are capped at 5 fold-up traps; commercial operators face a 50-trap limit and 1-inch mesh. Always check ADCNR for emergency closures or rule changes before heading out. Measure twice, keep legally, and release all sponge crabs to sustain Mobile Bay's blue crab fishery.

*Crabbing Mobile Bay Alabama 2027 size limit rules recreational commercial traps minimum carapace width 5 inches*