Crabbing License and Regulations in Ocean City, Maryland

Do I Need a Crabbing License?

If you’re heading out on a crabbing charter in Ocean City, you’re in luck — no license is required when you book a trip with Get Sum Charters. We handle all the paperwork, provide the bait, supply the gear, and even show you how to catch Maryland blue crabs like a local.

But if you’re planning to crab on your own — from a public pier, the shoreline, or a personal boat — you’ll need to know and follow Maryland’s recreational crabbing rules. These aren’t just about avoiding fines; they help protect the future of our prized blue crab population in the bays surrounding Ocean City.

🦀 Do You Need a Crabbing License in Ocean City, Maryland?

Before you toss your first trap or dip net into the bay, make sure you’re on the right side of the rules. In Maryland, whether or not you need a crabbing license depends on how you’re crabbing and what gear you’re using.

No License Required If:

  • You’re under 16 years old.
  • You’re using hand lines or dip nets and catching no more than two dozen male crabs per day.
  • You’re crabbing on a boat that has a valid Recreational Crabbing Boat License.

License Required If:

  • You’re using collapsible crab traps, trotlines, seines, net rings, or eel pots.
  • You want to catch up to a bushel of crabs (instead of the smaller unlicensed limit).

Crabbing with Get Sum Charters? You’re covered — no license needed when you crab with us! But if you’re going out on your own, make sure you’re in compliance.

For the most up-to-date regulations and details on licensing, check the official sources below:

📝 Choosing the Right Crabbing License

Not all crabbing adventures require the same license. Whether you’re crabbing solo from the shoreline or setting up traps with your crew on a boat, Maryland offers flexible options to keep things simple (and legal).

Here’s a quick look at your options:

  • Resident License – $5: For Maryland locals who want to use traps, trotlines, or collect more than two dozen crabs.
  • Non-Resident License – $10: Visitors from out of state can join the crab-catching fun for just a little more.
  • Recreational Crabbing Boat License – $15: Covers everyone on your boat for one calendar year. Great for group trips!

You can purchase your license through the Maryland DNR Compass Portal or at select sporting goods stores. Planning to crab more than once this summer? The boat license is a great value.

Get the full breakdown and start your license application here:

🪣 Yes, You Can Crab Without a License (Sort Of)

Want to try crabbing without committing to a license? Good news — Maryland allows if you stick to a few simple rules. It’s a great option for visitors, first-timers, or families looking to dip a net in the bay without diving into paperwork.

You DO NOT need a license if you:

  • Use only hand lines or dip nets.
  • Are under 16 years old.
  • Are crabbing from a licensed boat with a valid recreational crabbing boat decal.

But there are a few limits:

  • Maximum catch is 2 dozen male crabs per person per day.
  • Only male hard crabs and soft shell or peeler crabs can be kept.
  • Females? Always throw ’em back. They’re the future of the bay.

For full legal details and updates, visit:

📅 Rules Change — Don’t Get Caught Slippin’

Crabbing regulations in Maryland aren’t set in stone. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) updates rules regularly based on crab populations, conservation efforts, and seasonal shifts. What was legal last summer might not fly this weekend.

That’s why it’s so important to check the official sources before every trip. Whether it’s size limits, catch limits, or legal gear — knowing the current rules keeps you out of trouble and helps protect the future of crabbing in Ocean City.

Don’t trust random forum posts or social media rumors. Always go straight to the source:

When in doubt, ask your charter captain or bait shop — or better yet, book a trip with Get Sum Charters where we handle all the red tape so you can just focus on the claws and the fun.