What size and limit rules apply to crabbing in Casco Bay ME in 2027?

Direct Answer

For the 2027 recreational crabbing season in Casco Bay, Maine, the state enforces a daily limit of one crab per person for Jonah crabs and no more than 12 crabs per person for rock crabs (Cancer irroratus), with a minimum carapace width of 5 inches for rock crabs and no minimum size for Jonah crabs. These rules, set by the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR), apply to all state waters including Casco Bay, and require a valid Maine recreational fishing license for anyone 16 or older. Crabbers must use non-commercial traps (max 2 per person) or hand lines, and all traps must have escape vents (2.5 inches for rectangular, 2.75 inches for circular) and biodegradable escape panels. No egg-bearing female crabs may be kept, and all crabs must be measured across the widest part of the carapace. These regulations are strictly enforced by Maine Marine Patrol, with fines up to $500 per violation.

Size and Limit Rules for Crabbing in Casco Bay, ME (2027)

Species-Specific Limits

Casco Bay hosts two primary crab species targeted by recreational crabbers: rock crabs (Cancer irroratus) and Jonah crabs (Cancer borealis) . The 2027 rules maintain separate limits:

• Rock crabs: Daily bag limit of 12 crabs per person, minimum carapace width of 5 inches (measured across the widest point). No more than 2 traps per person.
• Jonah crabs: Daily bag limit of 1 crab per person, no minimum size. Only 1 trap per person.
• Green crabs (Carcinus maenas) : No limit, no size restriction, and no license required for hand harvesting. They are considered invasive and can be taken in unlimited numbers.

These limits are set by Chapter 24 of the Maine DMR regulations (effective January 1, 2027) and apply to all state waters including Casco Bay's 570 square miles of tidal area.

Trap and Gear Requirements

All crab traps in Casco Bay must comply with Maine's universal trap standards:

• Escape vents: Rectangular vents must be at least 2.5 inches tall; circular vents must be 2.75 inches in diameter.
• Biodegradable escape panels: Traps must have a panel made of untreated cotton twine (size 16 or smaller) or corroding metal (e.g., zinc washers) that degrades within 30 days if lost.
• Buoy markings: Each trap must have a buoy marked with the owner's Maine recreational fishing license number in 1-inch block letters.
• Trap limits: Rock crabs: 2 traps per person; Jonah crabs: 1 trap per person. Hand lines (no trap) are allowed for both species with no limit on number of lines.

Measurement and Handling Rules

Crabs must be measured across the widest part of the carapace (shell) using a caliper or ruler. For rock crabs, the 5-inch minimum applies to the carapace width, not including spines. Egg-bearing females (females with visible eggs on their abdomen) must be immediately released unharmed. Soft-shell crabs (recently molted) are legal to keep if they meet size limits, but they are more vulnerable and should be handled with care.

Seasonal and Area Restrictions

Casco Bay has no closed season for recreational crabbing—it is open year-round. However, certain areas are restricted:

• Harpswell Sound and Maquoit Bay: No crabbing within 100 feet of any lobster trap or buoy (to prevent gear conflict).
• Royal River (Yarmouth) and Cousins River (Freeport): No crabbing within 200 feet of fish passage structures (e.g., fish ladders) during May–June.
• Portland Harbor (south of the Casco Bay Bridge): No crabbing within 50 feet of commercial fishing docks or marinas (to avoid navigation hazards).

Licensing and Enforcement

Anyone 16 or older must possess a Maine recreational fishing license (cost: $21 for residents, $64 for non-residents in 2027). Licenses are available online via the Maine DMR e-licensing system or at town offices. Maine Marine Patrol officers conduct random checks on boats and shorelines. Violations result in:

• First offense: Fine up to $250 and confiscation of gear.
• Second offense: Fine up to $500 and potential license suspension.
• Criminal penalties for taking egg-bearing females or exceeding limits by more than 50% (Class E misdemeanor).

Conservation and Ecological Context

Casco Bay's crab populations are managed under Maine's Sustainable Fisheries Plan. Rock crab stocks are considered stable (Maine DMR 2026 stock assessment), but Jonah crab landings have declined 18% since 2020 due to warming waters. The 1-crab Jonah limit is designed to protect the species while allowing recreational harvest. Green crab removal is encouraged—they are invasive and damage eelgrass beds. The Casco Bay Estuary Partnership monitors crab populations and advises DMR on adjustments.

2027 Regulatory Process

Rules are set by the Maine DMR Commissioner after public hearings (typically held in August–September of the prior year). The 2027 regulations were finalized in November 2026 and published in the Maine Register. Any emergency changes (e.g., due to red tide or disease) would be posted on the Maine DMR website and through NOAA Fisheries alerts.

FAQ

What is the minimum size for Jonah crabs in Casco Bay? There is no minimum size for Jonah crabs in Maine waters. The only restriction is the 1-crab daily bag limit. This is unique among Maine crab species.

Can I use a lobster trap to catch crabs recreationally? No. Recreational crabbers must use non-commercial traps (max 2 for rock crab, 1 for Jonah). Lobster traps are commercial gear and cannot be used for recreational crabbing without a commercial license.

Are there any areas in Casco Bay where crabbing is prohibited? Yes. Crabbing is prohibited within 100 feet of lobster traps/buoys in Harpswell Sound and Maquoit Bay, within 200 feet of fish passage structures in Royal and Cousins rivers during May–June, and within 50 feet of commercial fishing docks in Portland Harbor.

Do I need a separate license for crabbing vs. fishing? No. A single Maine recreational fishing license covers all hook-and-line fishing, crabbing, and clamming. No additional crab-specific license is needed.

What happens if I catch a tagged crab? Tagged crabs are part of Maine DMR research programs. You must record the tag number, measure the crab, and release it immediately. Report the tag to the Maine DMR at 207-624-6550 or via their online tag reporting form.

Can I crab at night? Yes. Recreational crabbing is allowed 24 hours a day in Casco Bay. However, traps must be checked at least once every 24 hours to avoid ghost fishing.

Are there any changes to crab limits in 2027 compared to 2026? The 2027 limits are unchanged from 2026. The 1-crab Jonah limit was introduced in 2024 and remains in effect. The 12-crab rock crab limit has been stable since 2019.

Sources

• Maine Department of Marine Resources - Recreational Crabbing Regulations
• Maine DMR - Chapter 24: Crab and Lobster Regulations (2027)
• Casco Bay Estuary Partnership - Crab Monitoring Program
• NOAA Fisheries - Jonah Crab Stock Assessment
• Maine Marine Patrol - Enforcement and Penalties
• Maine DMR - Recreational Fishing License Information
• University of Maine Sea Grant - Crab Identification Guide
• Maine Register - 2027 Regulatory Changes

Bottom Line

Casco Bay crabbing in 2027 is governed by strict size and limit rules: 12 rock crabs (5-inch minimum) and 1 Jonah crab (no minimum) per day, with mandatory trap escape vents and biodegradable panels. Always check the Maine DMR website for emergency updates before heading out, and remember that green crabs are the only species without limits. Respect gear spacing rules near lobster traps and fish passages to avoid fines.

*Casco Bay Maine crabbing size limits 2027 rock crab Jonah crab regulations*