Title: The Ultimate Guide to Crabbing on the Oregon Coast
Section 1: Welcome to the bountiful coast
Embraced by a sea teeming with life, the Oregon Coast is a hidden gem for crab enthusiasts. If the idea of pot-to-plate crabbing delights you, then gear up for an adventure that’s so quintessentially Oregon. The Dungeness crabs, prized for their meaty claws and delicious taste, are the star of this crabbing adventure.
Section 2: Best times to go crabbing
Timing is everything when crabbing in Oregon. Crabbing season runs year-long, but locals will tell you that the best times to catch these critters are in fall and winter, when they in plentiful numbers. As in fishing, high tide is the preferred time, with a slack tide shortly after proving fruitful for crab hunters. There’s also a state-wide rule that crabbing is allowed only in the daytime, from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset.
Section 3: Getting your gear ready
Local stores like Tillamook Sporting Goods or Bi-Mart have all the necessities for a successful crabbing trip. A crab ring or a pot, some chicken for bait (that’s right, crabs love chicken), a buoy with your name on it, a gauge for measuring your catch, and a bucket is all you need. Don’t forget sturdy, waterproof gloves – crab shells are sharp and can give a nasty cut.
Section 4: Essential crabbing regulations
Oregon values its sea life, so there’s a plethora of regulations to protect its delicacies. A Shellfish license is mandatory for all crabbers over 12, and many local stores and bait shops around coastal towns can issue one. Remember, the catch limit is pretty firm – no more than 12 male Dungeness crabs over 5 ¾ inches. Plus, only Dungeness and red rock crabs are legal to bring home.
Section 5: Top spots for crabbing
There’s no shortage of crabbing locales along the 360-mile Oregon coastline. Newport’s Yaquina Bay, famous among locals for its plentiful Dungeness crabs, tops the list. The bays at Coos, Tillamook, and Netarts are also well-known crabbing hotspots, and don’t forget about the public docks at Wheeler or Garibaldi. However, be mindful of the season. In summer and fall, bays are the preferred haunts of crabs as they move to warmer, shallower waters. Winter sees them return to the deep sea, making crabbing from a boat further offshore more profitable.
Section 6: Public docks vs charter trips
Public docks are a great way to start your crabbing adventure, and most are equipped with winches to haul the crabs. If you want to venture deeper into the ocean, charter trips offer a thrilling experience. Kelly’s Brighton Marina on Nehalem Bay, and the Pacific Charter Services in Coos Bay, offer enjoyable and safe crabbing trips that locals recommend.
Section 7: Handle with care
The coast does have its unpredictable moments. Those sudden afternoon weather changes can catch you off guard, bringing cold winds and crashing waves. Also, remember always to handle the crabs from behind – the last thing you want is a painful pinch from a disgruntled crab.
Section 8: The after-party: Cooking your catch
After a successful day of crabbing, nothing compares to the satisfaction of cooking your fresh catch. Crabbing enthusiasts state there’s an art to preparing these creatures. Bring a large pot of water, add some sea salt for flavor, and boil the crabs until they turn from blue-green to orange. The local Bob’s Seafood in Astoria or Fisherman’s Market in Eugene are wonderful places to get tips on cooking your catch, right from expert Oregonians.
Remember, it’s part of the Oregon spirit to respect nature and leave the beauty of the coast untouched for others to enjoy. Decline buying cheap, non-biodegradable crab pots that will litter our beautiful coastline. Instead, invest in durable gear that will last for many crabbing seasons.
Wrapping it up: a friendly word (or few!)
Oregon offers an unparalleled crabbing experience, each brimming with excitement, thrill, and the delicious, rewarding bounty of the sea. So, gather up your family and friends, grab your rain jackets and explore what nature has in store for you off the coast – it’s an unforgettable adventure that binds you to the beating heart of Oregon. Happy crabbing!