The Ultimate Guide to Crabbing on the Oregon Coast

Embrace The Adventure

There’s a certain magic in the salty scent of the Pacific, in the shrieks of seagulls overhead, and in the cool, damp sand underfoot. Anyone who’s experienced it will tell you: crabbing on the Oregon coast is not merely a pastime, it’s a unique blend of adventure and relaxation that showcases the coast’s natural beauty at its most generous.

Getting to Know the Crustaceans at Home

Grabbing your gear and heading to the coast might seem easy enough, but first, let’s talk about the stars of our show: the dungeness and red rock crabs. If you’re hoping to catch your dinner, the dungeness yield more meat. However, the red rock’s contribution can’t be dismissed either, although the larger ones are often elusive. Timing is everything in crabbing. The prime season is from December to August, with a significant catch drop-off in September.

Vital Gear You Would Need

The first thing you’ll need is a shellfish license. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) offers a variety of options for both residents and non-residents, all of which are easily purchaseable online or at local sporting goods stores. Stations and kiosks are few and far between on the coast, so make sure you get your license well in advance.

Next is to select a good crabbing net or trap. Local shops such as Englund Marine in Astoria and Tillamook can guide you through the selection process, whether you prefer a traditional ring or a more modern crab trap.

But remember, you can’t take Oregon out of Oregon. So we advocate for being gentle giants when dealing with the ocean ecosystem. Try to find a setup that does minimal harm to other sea creatures like starfish or small fishes.

Know Where to Crab

The Oregon coast is stocked with a stunning variety of high-yield crabbing spots. Charleston, in the heart of Coos County, is among the most productive hotspots along the coast. You can also try your luck in the bountiful Nestucca Bay around Pacific City. The quaint town of Waldport and the bustling Newport are treasure troves of marine life too. The Yaquina Bay crabbing dock in Newport, specifically, often yields a plentiful catch.

Best Timing for Crabbing

Oregonians know that the best time to go crabbing is during slack tide when the crabs are most active. This is when the water is moving from low tide to high tide or vice versa. Check the tide tables before heading out, we might be laid-back here on the coast, but we respect Mother Nature’s scheduling. Also, remember to keep an eye on the weather, particularly from late fall to early spring, as the coast can experience sudden storms.

Cook Your Catch

After a full day of hauling in your catch, it’s time to enjoy some delicious fresh seafood. Oregon coastal towns are sprinkled with cozy seafood dives that will cook your catch for you. Check out the South Beach Fish Market in Newport or the Fishermen’s Seafood Market in Coos Bay. If you’re willing to take on the challenge yourself, try one of the public crab cookers found in numerous State Parks, like Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park. However, remember to clean your crabs properly before cooking.

Essential Local Advice

If you’ve ever gone fishing, you know there’s more to it than just dropping a line. It’s the same with crabbing. Bait is key, so avoid the tourist trap of fancy artificial baits. Going local with chicken or fish parts will attract more crabs. Also, the crabs often hide in the sandy bottoms, so when you’ve dropped your trap, give it a good shake. Just make sure you’re the one who does the shaking and not the other way around!

Sharing the Love

It seems there’s an unspoken agreement between crabbers to respect the silence of the bay, the mist rolling over the ocean, the tug of the trap line – but Oregonians are renowned for their friendly nature. So, don’t hesitate to strike a conversation with the other crabbers and share a tip or two. You might just snag some local secrets!

Have fun and happy crabbing!