Whidbey Island crab season set to begin in two weeks

Published 3:40 pm Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Recreational crab season is set to kick off in less than two weeks.

The season begins Friday, July 1, and runs through Sept. 5, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Whidbey Island is surrounded by three separate designated marine zones. Area 9 covers the west side and area 8-1 stretches the eastern shores. Area 8-2 covers the waters east of Langley and Clinton. All will be fully open July 1.

Crabbing is permitted Thursday through Monday and crab limits and rules are the same in both areas.

The minimum size for Dungeness is 6.25 inches with a limit of five males. Crabbers are required to release all soft shell, females and undersized Dungeness crabs.

For Red Rock crabs, the minimum size is five inches with a limit of six crabs of either sex.

Catch record cards are required.