No trip to Oregon’s Adventure Coast is complete without a Dungeness crab feast; and the best crab are always the ones you bring up yourself from the waters of lower Coos Bay (especially during this time of year). Fall is typically the best time to crab here on the Oregon Coast. Beginning in September, crabs tend to be more “filled out”, meaning there is a higher percentage of meat.
Catching your own Dungeness crab might sound intimidating; but it is not as hard you think and something everyone should try at least once! Not sure where to go? Click here for a crabbing and clamming area map.
Fishing Oregon’s Adventure Coast is a fantastic resource for locals and tourists to get tips and valuable information about fishing, clamming, crabbing and boating in and around Coos Bay.
Here are some helpful crabbing tips for beginners that we picked up from Fishing Oregon’s Adventure Coast:
1) Rent a crab pots and crab rings. Rental crab rings are available at many RV parks and other lodging facilities, and tackle and marine supply stores. Here is are a couple of suggested places to get you started
Fishermen’s Wharf located on D-Dock in the Charleston Boat Basin. Call for hours of operation (541) 888-TUNA (8862).
Crab Shack: 63840 Crossline Road, Charleston, OR 97420
(541) 888-3433
Davey Jones Locker: Cape Arago Highway & Boat Basin Road Charleston, OR 97420
(541) 888-3941
2) Slack water (the time around high or low tide) are the best times to crab. During slack water, crabs are generally walking around and foraging since they are not getting pushed around by tidal exchange.
3) Make sure you have the following supplies before you head out:
- Shellfish license (Ages 14 and older require a shellfish license for crabbing);
- Crab measuring tool;
- pots or rings (can be rented);
- Cooler;
- Gloves;
- Bait holders and bait supply;
4) Check all lines on pots or rings for knots or kinks to ensure they are durable and will allow gear to work correctly.
5)Make sure your pots are properly marked.
To learn more (or read about baiting and sorting techniques), visit Fishing Oregon’s Adventure Coast Crabbing Info Page. Check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for the most current shellfish regulations and harvest notices