Verified against Alabama Admin. Code 220-3-.31 and ADCNR Marine Resources Division guidance, September 2026. Rules change. Confirm with ADCNR Marine Resources before you set gear. This page is a reference, not legal advice.
Escape rings: two at 2-5/16"
Alabama is the only Gulf state on the 2-5/16" ring. Under 220-3-.31(6), every crab trap, commercial or recreational, must have at least two unobstructed escape rings with a minimum inside diameter of 2-5/16", located on a vertical surface, one ring per chamber. The requirement took effect March 1, 2018.
From April 1 through September 30, a licensed crab catcher may obstruct or remove the rings to catch busters or peelers, but only after obtaining a permit from the Marine Resources Division.
What that means for rigging
Two 2-5/16" rings, one high and one low. Our 2-5/16" cull rings are the correct part for both. A box of 500 rigs 250 traps.
Minimum size
No person may take, catch, sell, transport, or possess blue crabs under 5" carapace width, tip of one lateral spine to tip of the other. This applies to recreational and commercial alike. Exception: crabs taken by licensed recreational shrimp boats in bait areas for use as bait, limited to one gallon per boat per day.
Alabama's 5" is a 5" measure, year round. Our aluminum cull stick is listed at 5-1/4" for Maryland; call the shop for a 5" cut.
Sponge crabs
Egg-bearing females must be returned immediately, except from January 15 through May 15, when possession is allowed.
Trap construction and marking
- Traps may not exceed 27 cubic feet
- Recreational: orange floating buoy at least 6" in diameter, with a legible "R" at least 2" high
- Commercial: at least one buoy no smaller than 6", at least half white, marked with the MRD-assigned fisherman identification number; weighted line; no plastic bottles; the trap verification number painted on both sides of the vessel in 3" letters
- Commercial traps may not be pulled from sunset to one hour before sunrise
Recreational
- Up to five traps per person with a saltwater fishing license (annual or 7-day)
- Traps in the listed rivers, creeks and manmade canals must be tied to a pier, dock or structure within 10 feet of it, no more than five per property; ADCNR lists the waters
- No traps in the Mobile Delta north of I-10 / Battleship Parkway, within 300 feet of marked channels, public ramps or piers, or the mouths of several named rivers
Derelict traps
On the first and second day of each month a licensed crab catcher may recover unidentified derelict traps and must report the count and location to MRD by the next business day.
Sources
- Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-3-.31, Crabs
- ADCNR Recreational Blue Crab Regulations
- ADCNR Commercial Blue Crab
Gear for Alabama traps
- Door hooks: FlatStack, 4-1/4" overall, 3-1/2" center to center, cut for a commercial trap door. Bulk boxes from 100 to 10,000.
- Escape rings: our 2-5/16" ring is the correct part for both required rings. A box of 500 rigs 250 traps.
- Cull stick: Alabama is a 5" measure. Machined aluminum, held to .005"; call for the 5" cut.