Collection of Striped Shore Crabs

pril 25, 2019

Question: I have a question regarding Pachygrapsus crassipes, known as the striped shore crab. Is this crab legal to possess in California? If so, what’s the limit? I want to catch some of these tiny crabs for a little taste test, but I can’t seem to find any specific rules or regulations about them. (Steve Tran, Newark)

Answer: Yes, this crab is also sometimes called a “lined shore crab” and is identified by the square carapace quite easily. Since they do not have bag limits specific to their species, they default to the general invertebrate daily bag limit of 35 in possession (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 29.05).

Years ago a few of the sturgeon I caught had small crab parts in their gullet, I always thought they'd make good bait, but was never sure about the regs.  Couldn't use dungies or rocks due to the size, so that left "shore crabs".  Finally last year I ran into  warden at bodega bay and posed the question of collecting shore crabs there for use as bait in SP bay.  Said he couldn't answer me right off but asked for my phone number. He did call a couple hours later and left a message, yes, limit 35, and specifically said they must be dead before being transported to another area for use as bait. I really appreciated the call, nice to have a warden take the time to consult the regs in depth and get me an answer. As for a taste test,