Well, let me tell you, if you ain’t never tried crabbing at Cannon Beach, you sure are missin’ out! Now, I ain’t no expert or nothin’, but I’ve been down there a few times and I can tell ya, it’s a real treat. You know, Cannon Beach ain’t just known for its beautiful views, but it’s also a great spot for crabbing, especially if you go down to places like Kelly’s Brighton Marina. I heard tell you can get there in about 32 minutes if you’re comin’ from the north, and if you’re comin’ from Tillamook, it’s just 28 minutes south. So, it’s right easy to get to.
What’s Crabbing Like at Cannon Beach?
Now, crabbing ain’t as easy as just throwin’ out a line and pullin’ in a fish, no sir. You need to be prepared. First thing, you gotta make sure you got the right license. Anyone 12 and older has gotta have a shellfish license. You can get one of them at the ODFW offices or at most local hardware stores—just make sure you get it before you head out to the water. Trust me, you don’t wanna be caught without one. And don’t forget to check them rules about the best times and places, like I done heard that from September to December is prime crabbing season on the Oregon coast.
Where to Go for Crabbing at Cannon Beach
Well, like I said, Kelly’s Brighton Marina is one of the top spots for crabbing. I’ve been there a couple times and they always got the right tools and advice to help you out. There’s also other places around, like Bell Buoy in Seaside and Wheeler on the Bay Lodge Marina. But I reckon the best part about crabbing down in Cannon Beach is that it’s a great little getaway—something peaceful about being out there by the water, watching the waves roll in while you wait for a big ol’ Dungeness crab to crawl right into your trap.
Getting the Best Catch
If you’re lookin’ to catch the best crabs, you gotta remember a couple things. First off, you gotta be up early. I’ve found that the best time to catch ‘em is early in the morning, especially when the tide is just right. And don’t be afraid to use a little bit of bait—menhaden or herring, that’s what the locals recommend. Once you get them crabs in your traps, it’s all about the thrill of pullin’ ‘em up and seein’ if you got any good ones. Dungeness crabs are what you’re after, and let me tell you, they’re some mighty fine eatin’!
Safety and Rules
Now, as much fun as crabbing is, you gotta follow the rules to make sure you don’t get yourself into trouble. Them ODFW folks are serious about their regulations. You gotta make sure your crabs are big enough to keep, and there’s limits on how many you can catch. They keep a close eye on the numbers to make sure the crabs don’t go disappearin’ from our waters. Just be smart, follow the rules, and you’ll have yourself a good time.
Family Fun and Crabbing Adventures
If you ask me, crabbing is a perfect activity for families. You can take the kids out, show ‘em how it’s done, and spend a nice day by the water. It’s peaceful, it’s fun, and it’s a great way to make memories. Heck, if you’ve never been crabbing before, Cannon Beach is a great place to start. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, there’s plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the experience.
So, if you’re lookin’ for a new adventure, grab your crabbing gear, get yourself a license, and head on down to Cannon Beach. You won’t regret it, and you might just catch yourself a big ol’ Dungeness crab for supper!
Tags:[Cannon Beach, Crabbing, Oregon Coast, Kelly’s Brighton Marina, Dungeness Crab, Shellfish License, Family Activities, Outdoor Adventures, Pacific Ocean, Tillamook, Seaside, Crabbing Tips, Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations]