This study analyzed the selectivity of cylindrical net pot for the swimming crab (Charybdis japonica) using the SELECT model with a normal function. Data were obtained from four sea trials employing six mesh sizes (20.2, 27.6, 33.7, 37.9, 50.5, and 65.0 mm). The carapace length corresponding to the maximum catch in each mesh size ranged from 32.6 to 36.7 mm, whereas larger meshes of 50.5 mm and 65.0 mm exhibited peaks at 50.3 - 52.3 mm. This result clearly demonstrated that the size composition of the catch varied with increasing mesh size. The 50% retention carapace length (L50) ranged from 25.2 to 47.8 mm. When comparing fishing performance, smaller mesh pots generally yielded higher catches relative to the 20.2 mm reference pot. A comparison between the legal mesh size of 33.7 mm (nominal 35 mm) and the adjacent 37.9 mm mesh revealed that a 4 mm increase in mesh size significantly raised the proportion of crabs larger than 38 mm carapace length. Based on the minimum size at first maturity (28.86 mm), the optimal mesh size of the pot was estimated to be 35.59 mm. However, more precise sea trials and analyses are required to obtain reliable results. The findings also indicate that changes in mesh size have a clear influence on the size composition of swimming crab catches, suggesting that the correlation between mesh size and catch characteristics must be carefully considered to ensure sustainable resource management.