Chesapeake Bay Seafood Sizing Guide
Learn about Maryland seafood sizes and grades to make the best choice for your needs.
Maryland Blue Crab Sizes
Jumbo / Colossal
6+ inches point to point. Premium grade with high meat yield — ideal for special occasions and steamed crab feasts.
Large (#1 Jimmies)
5.5–6 inches. The most popular size, offering a balanced combination of meat and value.
Medium (#2 Mixed)
4.5–5.5 inches. More affordable, well-suited for crab soups, crab cakes, and family meals.
Soft Shell
3–6 inches. The whole crab is edible. A seasonal delicacy harvested just after molting.
Chesapeake Oyster Grades
Extra large, large, and medium-count grades reflect shell size and meat fill. Freshness and salinity vary by harvesting location within the Bay.
Regional Fish Sizes
Common Chesapeake species include striped bass (rockfish) and yellow perch. Legal harvest sizes are set by Maryland DNR and vary by season.