Tis the season to crab on the Coast. The recently announced delay of the opening of the commercial or offshore Dungeness crab season will not effect recreational crabbing in Oregon’s bays and estuaries. Bay crabbing is fun, inexpensive and easily accessible. A fishing license is required and the gear is simple. If needed, you can rent a boat and traps from one of the many marinas — they have bait for purchase, too. Timing is important as the crabs feed on an incoming tide. Once you have caught your limit, the shellfish need to be cooked. This can be done for a small fee at the marina where the rentals were obtained.
Rain gear is advised; even in dry weather, rubber boots and waterproof gloves are a good idea. Some of my best memories are of crabbing trips with family on Yaquina and Alsea Bays. My consistent companions (other than my daughter Amanda who was a great boat driver) were my two Newfoundlands. Since there is always some slack time involved it was entertaining to watch the Newfies watch the pelicans, seal and sea lions as they watched us.
Come on over for a great adventure and some wonderful eating.
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Shellfish Regulations (from the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations publication)
