“The Ultimate Guide to Crabbing on the Oregon Coast: Dive into a Coastal Adventure”
Welcome to the beautiful Oregon coast, home to some of the finest crabbing spots in the country. With wide expanses of sparkling blue waters, the Pacific Ocean offers an invigorating playground for everyone who loves the thrill of the catch and the reward of fresh seafood straight from the sea. This guide is packed full of insider tips to help navigate the art of crabbing on our treasured coastline.
Recognizing the Wheres and Whens
Some of the most popular spots for crabbing include Newport, Netarts Bay, and the famed Tillamook Bay. Newport, with its expansive sandy beaches, is often teeming with Dungeness and Red rock crabs. Tillamook Bay, on the other hand, is a hidden gem loved by us locals. Its meandering waterway is often overlooked by tourists which makes it a peaceful place for crabbing.
And don’t forget the delight that is the Charbonneau Crab Boil in Wilsonville! It’s one of the best places to sample all the tasty crab that the coast has to offer.
While crabbing can be done all year round, the most fruitful season is typically late fall. In particular, November and December are great times, as the crabs have often finished their summer molt and their new shells are packed full of tasty meat. Be mindful though, as the coastal weather shifts quickly in the afternoon, so early mornings are often the best.
Gear Up for Success
Proper gear is integral for a successful crabbing adventure. A folding crab trap, bucket, and gloves from a local business like Englund Marine in Astoria should do the trick. Oh, and let’s not forget about a quality crab gauge to ensure your catch is of legal size.
As a local’s tip, filling your trap with something tempting like chicken or fish scraps can significantly increase your chances of success. A lot of locals prefer to go to Safeway’s seafood counter in Seaside and ask for their discard fish parts for bait.
Nitty-Gritty Regulations
Remember, in Oregon, it’s crucial that you’re only keeping male Dungeness crabs that measures a minimum of 5 ¾ inches. Female Dungeness and any crab measuring less than the legal size have to be returned to the waters to preserve the crabbing resource. Crabbing licenses are needed for anyone 12 years and older, which can conveniently be acquired from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website.
The Waiting Game and the Reward
Crabbing involves a healthy serving of patience. Set your pot, go for a scenic walk along the Cliff Trail at Cape Arago, and enjoy the crisp ocean air. After a few hours (we locals swear by the three to four-hour waiting period), it’s time to haul up and see what treasures have wandered into your trap!
After a successful day on the water, the reward of a delicious crab feast is hard to beat. Enjoy the sweet, succulent crab meat in its purest form, or perhaps spice things up with a classic Oregon crab cake recipe. The choices are as vast as the Pacific itself.
In Conclusion
Crabbing on the Oregon Coast is a marvellous adventure with a delicious reward. Like many things in Oregon, it’s anything but ordinary. Prepare wisely, respect the beauty of the coast, and let the rhythmic waves and cool salt air invigorate your soul.
Crabbing is a pastime woven into the culture of coastal Oregon. There are few things that can quite match the joy of pulling up a trap teaming with legal crabs, and the memories created are ones that will certainly last a lifetime. So grab your gear, fire up your sense of adventure, and make your way to the coast. It’s the kind of experience that’s best lived, then told, not the other way around. Happy Crabbing!