Saltwater · Mendocino
Crab - Rock
Ocean regulations can change in-season. Confirm with the 2026 Ocean Sport Fishing Guide and CDFW before you fish.
Species group
CRAB
Season
Open all year
Season notes
Open all year
Depth limit
No Depth Limit
Daily bag limit
35 Per Person
Minimum size
4 Inchs measured by the shortest distance through the body from edge of shell to edge of shell directly in front of and ex- cluding the points (lateral spines).
Gear restrictions
- Crab may be brought to the surface of the water for measuring, but no undersize crabs may be placed in any type of receiver, kept on the person or retained in any person’s possession or under his direct control; all crabs shall be measured immedi- ately and any undersize crabs shall be released immediately into the water. - Any hoop net abandoned or left un- checked for more than 2 hours shall be considered abandoned and may be seized by any person authorized to enforce these regulations.
Identification
Rock Crab has carapace teeth that are somewhat broad and rounded with teeth between the eyes of nearly equal size and shape. The crab is widest at the posterior-most tooth, up to 20.0 cm wide. The pincers are large with distinctive black tips. This species lacks serrations or projections on the ventral side of the claws. Adults have a brick-red coloration throughout. The coloration of juveniles is diverse, often white, sometimes with red spots, or zebra-striped