Crabbing enthusiasts in the Seattle-Bremerton area can ready their pots and gear, as Marine Area 10 is set to reopen for a late-winter crab fishing season. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced the reopening, effective today through the end of the year.

"Test fishing catches this fall were greater than anticipated, supporting a quota increase,” stated Katelyn Bosley, WDFW Puget Sound crustacean lead in the announcement. This quota increase will allow crabbers to actively pursue their catch seven days a week through December 31. Along with Marine Area 10, several other marine areas will also be open for recreational crabbing, giving fishers ample opportunity to try and fill their catch limits this season, as per the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Under the guidelines released by the WDFW, crabbers in Puget Sound are allowed a daily limit of five male Dungeness crabs, provided they are in hard-shell condition and meet a minimum carapace width of 6 1/4 inches. Enthusiasts can also seize up to six red rock crabs of either sex daily, with a minimum carapace width of five inches, and a similar count for Tanner crabs with a minimum carapace of 4 1/2 inches.

All crabbers aged 15 and older will need to have a valid Washington fishing license, options for which vary from an annual shellfish/seaweed license to a combination fishing license, available for different durations. To legally harvest Dungeness crab in Puget Sound, it's mandatory to not just carry a license but also to have a Puget Sound Dungeness crab endorsement. Free winter Catch Record Cards (CRCs) are available at licensed vendors and must be returned to the WDFW or reported online by Feb.1, 2025, as the WDFW works to preserve and manage aquatic wildlife and their habitats effectively.