Blue Swimmer Crab

Fishing Limits:

Minimum size: 11 cm measured across the carapace from the base of the largest spines.
All crabs must be measured as soon as they are caught and any undersize crabs immediately returned to the water.
Personal daily bag limit: 20 – combined limit with Sand Crabs.
Daily boat limit when 3 or more people are crabbing on board: 60 – combined limit with Sand Crabs.
Baiting: When using hoop nets or drop nets in marine waters (including from a jetty or boat) you:
can use fish or fish based products in hoop nets or drop nets
cannot use any type of meat, chicken or other poultry in hoop nets or drop nets.
Restrictions: Females with external eggs are totally protected and must be returned to the water immediately.

Female Blue Swimmer Crab with external eggs are totally protected and must be returned to the water immediately. Please see image below to identify a female crab.

The correct method of measuring a Blue Crap is detailed in the image below:

Please make sure you are using the correct measuring tool and if the crab is only just on the limit of legal, please return it to the water. We have heard stories of people being caught with crabs that are JUST under/on legal size due to their measuring tool being old/warn etc.
We are currently developing a new measuring device that will stand the elements and last many years.
Check back soon for release date and more information.

This information is in line with the current rules and regulations set out by The Government of South Australia Department PIRSA as of October 2023. For more up to date information, we advise checking their website.