Title: The Ultimate Guide to Crabbing on the Oregon Coast
Introduction: Whether you’re an experienced crab hunter or trying it out for the first time, Oregon’s stunning coastlines are the perfect location. Imagine pulling up a crab pot filled with Dungeness crabs against the backdrop of Oregon’s picturesque coast. Is there anything more quintessentially Oregon than that?
#1 Understanding the Oregon Crabbing Seasons Oregon’s coastal waters are a great source of crabs year-round, but the prime time is in the winter. Starting from December to late April, Dungeness crabbing season kicks in. That is when the seas are teeming with large, meaty crabs just begging to be caught. The red rock crab season, on the other hand, is steady throughout the year.
#2 Gathering Your Crabbing Equipment: Before you embark on your crabbing adventure, it’s essential to have the right gear. To start with, you’ll need a crab pot or a crab ring. It feels a bit nostalgic to head over to Joe’s Outdoor – a friendly local store in Newport with an excellent variety of crabbing gear. Don’t forget your bait box and crab gauge – they’re essential for your hunt!
#3 Know Your Crabbing Locations: One of the best things about crabbing in Oregon is that there are so many great locations to choose from. Yaquina Bay at Newport, Siuslaw River Estuary at Florence, and Tillamook Bay are the common ones. But if you want the real scoop, try Nehalem Bay or Bandon – these locations are Oregon’s best-kept secrets, known mostly to the locals for their abundant crab population.
#4 Bait and Techniques: Chicken is a great bait for crabs and one that the old-timers swear by. Fish carcasses, specifically from shad and razor clams, are also quite effective. As for techniques, “Soak Time” is an important concept. A good 45-minute to an hour-long soak time is usually enough, but don’t leave your pots for too long in peak season as seals and sea lions can raid them!
#5 Safety and Sustainability: Crabbing is a fun ocean-side activity, but remember the marvelous Oregon coast can be unpredictable with the afternoon weather changes. Always wear suitable gear, stay aware of tide times, and be alert for the rough waves that roll in swiftly. Remember, safety always comes first!
Please respect size and sex restrictions. Only male crabs greater than 5 ¾” are legal to keep, and it’s crucial only to take what you need. Let’s keep our beautiful coastline and its marine life sustainable for future generations.
#6 The True Oregon Experience – Cleaning and Cooking Your Crabs: After all that hard work, comes the rewarding part; cooking and devouring your catch. Locals swear by the Netarts Bay’s Schooner Restaurant for its age-old crab cooking secrets, but you can also clean and cook them yourself. Remember, the fresher the crab, the better it tastes.
Conclusion: Crabbing on the Oregon Coast is more than just a recreational activity – it’s a tradition, a way of life, and part of what makes our state so special. Now, with these insights in hand, you’re all set for your crabbing adventure. Just remember to dress warm, stay safe, and, above all, enjoy every moment. Welcome to one of Oregon’s beloved outdoor traditions. We can’t wait to see you out there!