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Washington crab pots must have two escape rings. Where on the pot?

In the upper half of the pot.

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  1. On the very bottom
  2. Anywhere is fine
  3. In the upper half ✔

Why: Escape rings let undersize crabs leave the pot. In most areas they must be at least 4 1/4 inches across inside (4 inches in the Columbia River).

Huh, didn't know that: Pots also need a minimum mesh size of 1 1/2 inches.

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References

Answer: In the upper half. Escape rings let undersize crabs leave the pot. In most areas they must be at least 4 1/4 inches across inside (4 inches in the Columbia River).

  1. WDFW Shellfish gear rules wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/gear-rules
    all pots must have two 4¼" minimum inside diameter escape rings in the upper half of the pot
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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