Can I Keep?Rock crab Regulations in New Hampshire (2026)
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Recreational rock crab rules in New Hampshire saltwater, as published by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, Marine Division. Last checked November 7, 2026.
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Recreational Rock crab rules in New Hampshire
- Where
- Statewide
- Bag limit
- (d) No person taking crabs for personal use, and not for the purpose of sale, shall take or possess more than 50 whole Jonah or rock crabs daily. This 50 crab limit shall be for Jonah and rock crabs combined. (a) No person shall take Jonah or rock crabs from any water under the jurisdiction of this state without first procuring a valid and proper license pursuant to RSA 211:18, except that any person may take 12 crabs a day by angling, diving, or by hand without a license pursuant to RSA 211:18-c.
- (c) No person shall remove spawn from any female Jonah or rock crab and no person shall take, possess, sell, or offer for sale any female Jonah or rock crab carrying spawn or any crab spawn.
- (e) No person shall remove Jonah or rock crab claws prior to landing. Only whole crabs shall be retained and sold.
Quick answers
How many rock crab can I keep in New Hampshire?
(d) No person taking crabs for personal use, and not for the purpose of sale, shall take or possess more than 50 whole Jonah or rock crabs daily. This 50 crab limit shall be for Jonah and rock crabs combined. (a) No person shall take Jonah or rock crabs from any water under the jurisdiction of this state without first procuring a valid and proper license pursuant to RSA 211:18, except that any person may take 12 crabs a day by angling, diving, or by hand without a license pursuant to RSA 211:18-c..
More crabs, lobster & shrimp in New Hampshire
All New Hampshire saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, Marine Division. Most anglers need a New Hampshire saltwater license or registry: get one here.