Blue Crab Regulations in Georgia (2026)

Recreational blue crab rules in Georgia saltwater, as published by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Resources Division. Last checked November 7, 2026.

Size limit

5 in minimum

Bag limit

Recreational crabbers may take no more than one bushel of crabs…

Season

Unless otherwise designated, the saltwaters of Georgia are open…

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Recreational Blue Crab rules in Georgia

Where: All waters
Size limit: It is unlawful to take or possess any crab less than 5 inches from spike to spike across the back (other than a “peeler” or a “mature adult female” crab).
Bag limit: Recreational crabbers may take no more than one bushel of crabs during any 24-hour period. No more than two bushels may be taken recreationally or possessed during a 24-hour period on a boat with more than one person aboard.
Season: Unless otherwise designated, the saltwaters of Georgia are open year-round for recreational crabbing at any time of the day.

Up to six standard size crab traps (2 x 2 feet or smaller) may be used recreationally. Two unobstructed escapement rings (2 3⁄8 inch inside diameter) must be installed on an outside vertical wall. Each trap must be marked with a fluorescent green or lime green float bearing the owner's name and address in one-inch letters. Traps should be sufficiently weighted to prevent loss in strong tidal currents. It is unlawful to place or set crab traps in the channel of any stream with a lawfully established system of waterway markers. Disposal of crab traps in public waters is a violation of State and Federal laws.
Peelers must measure at least 3 inches from spike to spike across the back.
No sponge (egg-bearing) crabs are allowed.

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 1 commercial rule

Where: All waters
Size limit: Crabs measuring five inches (5") or more from spike to spike across the back are allowed to be harvested. Peelers that measure three inches (3”) from spike to spike across the back , as well as mature adult female crabs of any size , may also be harvested. There are no quotas or quantity limits on the harvest of crabs taken commercially.
Bag limit: There are no quotas or quantity limits on the harvest of crabs taken commercially.

There is a maximum limit of 200 crab traps that a commercial crabber can employ. Each commercial crabber must purchase c ommercial crab trap permits .
At least two "Escape Rings" must be installed on any of the four vertical, outside walls. The ring is a rigid, circular port forming the boundary of an opening and is placed flush with an outside surface of the crab trap in order to create an unobstructed opening through the wall of the trap. Each ring must measure at least 2 3/8 inches inside diameter.
CRD Commercial Saltwater Fishing Regulations guide (Printed July 2023).
The commercial blue crab fishery is regulated through a controlled access system with a limited number of licenses available. A commercial crabbing license is required for anyone fishing more than six (6) traps.
The harvest and possession of any egg bearing female blue crab (sponge crab) is prohibited.
Commercial crab traps may be placed in waters described as "salt waters" in the Saltwater Demarcation Line Section and in the portion of the St. Mary’s River and the Satilla River System (including the Satilla River and White Oak Creek) seaward of the Seab oard Coastline Railroad and in that portion of the Altamaha River System which is seaward of I-95.
Crab pots may not be left unattended in federal ocean waters from November 15 to April 15.
All commercial crabbers must submit harvest records directly to DNR.

Official source

Quick answers

What is the blue crab size limit in Georgia?

It is unlawful to take or possess any crab less than 5 inches from spike to spike across the back (other than a “peeler” or a “mature adult female” crab)..

How many blue crab can I keep in Georgia?

Recreational crabbers may take no more than one bushel of crabs during any 24-hour period. No more than two bushels may be taken recreationally or possessed during a 24-hour period on a boat with more than one person aboard..

When is blue crab season in Georgia?

Unless otherwise designated, the saltwaters of Georgia are open year-round for recreational crabbing at any time of the day.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.

Compare Blue Crab limits in other states →

More crabs, lobster & shrimp in Georgia

All Georgia saltwater fishing regulations →

Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Resources Division. Most anglers need a Georgia saltwater license or registry: get one here.