“Recreational crab fishing opens Dec. 9 in two areas of Whidbey Island, according to a rule change announced Friday by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.All waters in Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2 open Dec. 9 at 8 a.m. The season continues until Dec. 31 at 4 p.m. The open areas lie east of Whidbey Island and extend from West Point on the northwest corner of the island south to Possession Point.The opening was ordered to maintain a 50/50 crab allocation between state and tribal fisheries. Recreational crab fishing regulations can be found in the Fishing in Washington pamphlet available where licenses are sold. For the latest rule information call the shellfish rule change hotline at 360-796-3215. “