Can I Keep?Cancer crab (Rock and Jonah) Regulations in Massachusetts (2026)
Recreational cancer crab (rock and jonah) rules in Massachusetts saltwater, as published by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Last checked November 7, 2026.
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Recreational Cancer crab (Rock and Jonah) rules in Massachusetts
- Where
- Statewide
- Bag limit
- 50 crabs total per day in aggregate (Rock and Jonah crabs combined). Egg bearing crabs cannot be taken. Crabs must be landed whole. Permit required if fishing traps or SCUBA. All traps must conform to lobster trap regulations. All buoyed trap gear must be removed from the water by November 1 and may not be reset until May 16. Closure may be lifted after April 30 or extended past May 16 based on presence or absence of right whales. No trap fishing 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sun rise.
- 50 crabs total per day in aggregate (Rock and Jonah crabs combined). Egg bearing crabs cannot be taken. Crabs must be landed whole. Permit required if fishing traps or SCUBA. All traps must conform to lobster trap regulations. All buoyed trap gear must be removed from the water by November 1 and may not be reset until May 16. Closure may be lifted after April 30 or extended past May 16 based on presence or absence of right whales. No trap fishing 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sun rise.
Quick answers
How many cancer crab (rock and jonah) can I keep in Massachusetts?
50 crabs total per day in aggregate (Rock and Jonah crabs combined). Egg bearing crabs cannot be taken. Crabs must be landed whole. Permit required if fishing traps or SCUBA. All traps must conform to lobster trap regulations. All buoyed trap gear must be removed from the water by November 1 and may not be reset until May 16. Closure may be lifted after April 30 or extended past May 16 based on presence or absence of right whales. No trap fishing 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sun rise..
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Source: Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Most anglers need a Massachusetts saltwater license or registry: get one here.