Red Rock Crab

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from British Columbia south to Baja California. Found on rocky reefs, in kelp beds, and on hard bottom from the intertidal zone to 300 feet. Very common in rocky areas of California bays and along the open coast. The most common crab encountered in the rocky intertidal zone of California.

Preferred Water Temperature: 48°F–65°F. Found on or near rocky structure — hides under rocks and in crevices during the day. More active at night. Common in harbors and around pier pilings throughout California.

Size & Weight: Adults typically 4–6 inches across the carapace. Smaller than Dungeness Crab but the claws hold good meat. Tasty — the claw meat is sweet and firm.

Best Lures: N/A — taken with traps and by hand during low tide.

Best Baits: Fresh fish and fish heads attract Red Rock Crabs in traps. Squid works well. Small ring nets baited with fresh bait catch Red Rock Crabs. They can also be collected by hand in the rocky intertidal zone at low tide. Check regulations for size limits and seasons.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from British Columbia south to Baja California. Found on rocky reefs, in kelp beds, and on hard bottom from the intertidal zone to 300 feet. Very common in rocky areas of California bays and along the open coast. The most common crab encountered in the rocky intertidal zone of California.

48°F–65°F. Found on or near rocky structure — hides under rocks and in crevices during the day. More active at night. Common in harbors and around pier pilings throughout California.

Best Lures: N/A — taken with traps and by hand during low tide. Best Baits: Fresh fish and fish heads attract Red Rock Crabs in traps. Squid works well. Small ring nets baited with fresh bait catch Red Rock Crabs. They can also be collected by hand in the rocky intertidal zone at low tide. Check regulations for size limits and seasons.

Adults typically 4–6 inches across the carapace. Smaller than Dungeness Crab but the claws hold good meat. Tasty — the claw meat is sweet and firm.