Is there a crab season???

I was wondering if there was a crab season. I'm not setting traps. I'm just using a string and some chicken. Whats the regulations on crab also???

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/annual/fish/crabreg/

you can catch crabs year round like that.to keep them they have to be 5 inches from point to point.all females should be released especially if they have a sponge or the sack of eggs showing.right now is one of the best times of year to catch them good luck and a cooler full of crabs

how do you tell the difference(m/f)???

On the belly side of the crab the Males have what looks like an arrow shape part of the shell that points towards the claws, the females have a large flap instead of the little thin arrow shaped ones males have.........


http://www.bluecrab.info/identification.html


Rob

Easy to remember.

Females look like the Capitol dome.
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/baygame/bbc_female_in_net.jpg

Males look like the Washington monument.
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/baygame/bbc_male_in_net.jpg

Sponge crabs (Females with eggs) look like this.
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/art2001/spongecrab1.JPG

(At least that's how I learned.)

I understand why not to keep a female, but is it illegal??? I mean we are human and accidents do happen.

As I read the regs, it is not illegal to keep a female just a female with eggs or one with the apron removed. I believe other states restrict taking females but not Texas.

I doubt a GW would accept "honest mistake" for a sponge crab in possession. They are pretty much unmistakable to tell the males from females.