Title: The Ultimate Guide to Crabbing on the Oregon Coast
Understanding the Basics In Oregon’s craggy coast, the ancient dance of the tides reveals what locals and frequent visitors deem as treasure – Dungeness crab. Beloved hard-shelled crustaceans scurry beneath the dark canopy of seas and estuaries, waiting for the perfect trap to ensnare them.
Knowing Your Territory In order to crab successfully, it is important to understand where to find these delights. Newport’s Yaquina Bay is a well-kept secret; it’s where locals go for their catch. Equally as special, and a tad less popular than Newport, is the Netarts Bay near Tillamook. It’s a gem that never fails to yield its bounty.
Timing it Right Crabbing season in Oregon extends throughout nearly the whole year, so there is almost always an opportunity for crab enthusiasts. However, the most productive crabbing season typically occurs in late fall, through early winter, when Dungeness crabs are the most plentiful. It’s important to know that while the peek season is in those general months, crabbing after heavy rainstorms could minimize your catch. This is because of the influx of fresh water into the bay causes crabs to scuttle away to the safety of saltier waters farther out.
Choosing the Right Gear If a novice wants to partake in this local tradition, renting gear is a viable option. Kelly’s Marina, situated in Nehalem Bay, offers affordable crab ring rentals. Serious enthusiasts often opt for specialized pots by local Oregon companies such as BulletProof Crabbing Gear, known for their durable, Oregon-made traps.
Setting Up Your Crabbing Adventure Once you’ve got your gear ready, you need bait to lure the Dungeness crabs into your trap. At the Lincoln City Tackle Shop, they swear by chicken or turkey legs. The hardest part about setting up your traps is the wait. Locals love to share the adage, “the longer the soak, the better the yield.” Each trap should be left for at least 45 minutes to give the crabs enough time to find their way in.
Crabbing by Boat Tillamook Bay is the place to go if you fancy crabbing by boat. Garibaldi Marina provides Crabber boats, fully equipped with crab pots and pullers, GPS, and depth finders. Locals know the best spots in the bay and are usually friendly enough to point them out.
Enjoying the Bounty After an adventurous day crabbing, it’s time to feast. If you’ve taken to the old Oregonian tradition of crabbing on Netarts Bay, have The Schooner Restaurant & Lounge cook up your fresh catch. Sit back, relax, savor your hard-earned meal, and admire the views across the bay as you bask in the glory of a day well spent doing as Oregonians do best.
Consider the Weather The coastal weather can change quickly, particularly in the afternoons. Layer up, and never forget a waterproof jacket. The ocean’s mood can be just as changeable, so always prioritize safety.
Conserving What We Love As Oregon locals, we feel a sense of responsibility towards preserving our seas and our crabbing heritage. Always remember to respect size and gender regulations and only keep what you can consume.
Wrapping it Up Crabbing on the Oregon Coast encapsulates the authentic, wild heart that residents have grown to love, turning any newbie into a lover of this coastal tradition. Just remember to dress for the weather, soak your pots long enough, and respect the rules. Happy Crabbing!