Title: The Ultimate Guide to Crabbing on the Oregon Coast
Starting Points: Getting Your Gear Ready
Lovingly referred to as “Oregon’s Gold Coast” by seasoned locals, the Oregon Coast offers an unparalleled crabbing experience. Those pristine waters and cool Pacific tides make for some of the most succulent Dungeness crab, after all. But, before embarking on this tantalizing adventure, it’s essential to ensure your gear is top-notch. Consider a local shop, such as Englund Marine in Astoria, known for inexpensive yet top-tier crabbing gear.
Catching the Crab: The Ins and Outs
Successful crabbing requires more than just suitable gear; it involves understanding the crab’s behavior. As Oregon locals swear by, crabs are more catchable during slack tide – that brief period during a high to low tide transition. Pay heed to tidal reports, as they’ll serve as a potent tool in your crabbing cupboard.
The Magic Bait: Chicken? Really?
Surprising to many, the favorite menu item of our dear crustacean friend is chicken. As uncanny as it might sound, many a local crabber swear by raw chicken thighs as bait. In Oregon, Harrington’s Bait and Tackle in Coos Bay offers affordable bait options. Trust us; those crabs cannot resist a good piece of poultry!
Spotting the Ideal Location: Where to Dock and Drop
Astoria, Newport, and Florence undoubtedly claim some of the coast’s most productive crabbing areas. However, hidden gems like the docks at Charleston Harbor and Siletz Bay in Lincoln City are reliable when it comes to catching Dungeness or red rock crabs.
Beating the Crowd: Timing it Right
With crabbing, timing is everything. Oregonians know the satisfaction of a summer crabbing adventure; nevertheless, the colder months provide the most bountiful catches. The crabbing season is usually most lucrative from November to April. Don’t be surprised to find yourself sharing docks, piers, or jetties with locals in raincoats on chilly winter days.
Crabbing Etiquette: Minding the Regulations
Both veteran crabbers and novices must respect the Oregon shellfish regulations. The legal permissible size of Dungeness crabs is 5 ¾ inches, and they must be male. It’s easy to distinguish, as males have a narrow abdomen compared to females. The marine wardens, like Seaside’s Officer Birch, take these regulations very seriously.
Don’t forget to check for the red tag on the crab shell. It denotes an ongoing scientific study, and the crab must be released back into the wild.
Cooking Your Catch: The Oregonian Way
With your bucket full of crabs, it’s time to head to the kitchen. The Tillamook Bay tradition of a crab boil is a must-try. Add some of Pacific City’s Pelican Brewing beer to the pot for true Oregon flavor. Locals often advise trying Netarts Bay’s Jacobsen Salt – a bit goes a long way toward enhancing the natural flavors.
Final Words of Wisdom: Embrace the Experience
Crabbing on the Oregon Coast is as much about the pursuit as it is about the catch. Embrace the stunning sunrise, the smell of the salty Pacific, and the camaraderie of fellow crabbers. The coast’s natural beauty, coupled with unpredictable weather, adds to the sense of adventure. Remember to always check the weather report before heading out as coastal weather can quickly change in the afternoon.
And if you aren’t successful the first time around, don’t feel discouraged. Even seasoned crabbers have off days. But that’s part of the charm – each swing brings a new chance. Welcome to the family of Oregon coast Crabbers. Happy crabbing!