How to get a Delaware Crabbing License
A Delaware Fishing License is required for residents and non-residents to catch fish, clam, and crab in all Delaware Waters. A Fisherman Information Network number (FIN Number) is also required, which you can obtain for free at the DNREC website and headquarters in Dover, DE.
For its small price, all proceeds go towards fisheries research, maintenance and construction of fishing areas, and aquatic education. Licenses also allow for state officers to uphold crabbing standards which maintain the state’s Blue Crab population for future generations.
This is not an official copy of the laws or regulations. This explanation of the laws and regulations is correct as of the date specified. It is the fisherman’s responsibility to know the laws and regulations in effect at any given time.
A Delaware Fishing & Crabbing license are one in the same.
With a Delaware Fishing License and Fisherman Information Network (FIN) Number, you are allowed to go crabbing for Blue Crabs. Proceeds from fishing licenses go towards preserving Delaware’s fish and shellfish populations, which is why you gain access to catch both.
License Exceptions
Note: All crabbers and anglers need to obtain a a Delaware Fisherman Information Network number (FIN Number) every year, including those exempt from needing a fishing license. You can get one for free by creating a free account at http://de.gov/erpermitting.
You will not need a Delaware Fishing License to go crabbing if you are:
- A Delaware resident over the age of 65 with proof of age and residency, such as a driver’s license.
- Under the age of 16 (Children under the age of 16 are also exempt from the FIN Number Requirement).
- A Delaware resident who is legally blind.
- For a complete list of exemptions for active military and others, read this list.
With a license, you can…
A license allows you go go crabbing, clamming, and fishing in all non-restricted Delaware Waters. I’ll focus on the crabbing aspect.
With a license, you are allowed to work under the current guidelines:
| Conditions | Recreationally Licensed Individuals: |
|---|---|
| Daily Limits | Can collect up to 1 bushel of hardshell blue crabs using crab pots, collapsible traps, trotline, and hand lines. |
| Crab Pots | Can use two recreational crab pots. Each must be equipped with TEDs and cull rings. |
| Size Limits | Can keep hardshell male blue crabs measuring over 5″ from tip to tip, soft shell crabs measuring 3.5″, and peelers measuring 3″. |
How to Purchase a License
As mentioned before, you cannot go crabbing in Delaware without a license. You can apply for and purchase a license online through https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/licenses/.
The link above will take you to the general licensing page. This is where people purchase hunting, fishing, and boating licenses. You want to click on Buy a Fishing License.
This will take you to a Digital DNREC sign-in page. You will need to register for an account. It will ask for your personal information, SSN, date of birth, and so on. All of which is important information to validate your fishing license.
If you scroll down on this sign-in page. You will find two user guides with videos. One will walk you through the process of making your account, and the other will do the same with a recreational fishing license.
After creating an account, follow the previously mentioned guide on purchasing a license. Pick the $8.50 option, which will fit all the requirements to go crabbing. You will receive a FIN number and a fishing license in a PDF format. Bring both of these documents with you when you go crabbing. If you are ever stopped by a DNREC officer, he or she will ask for these papers.
For more information on licensing, check out the License Purchasing Guide by DNREC at Delaware.gov.
Delaware Crabbing Directory
