Depoe Bay Crabbing: A Rural Guide to Crab Fishing on the Oregon Coast
You ever heard of Depoe Bay, Oregon? It’s a small place, but let me tell ya, it’s got somethin’ real special about it—crabs! Now, I ain’t no expert or nothin’, but I can tell ya that crabbing around there is somethin’ folks do all year long. But let me tell ya, there’s a better time than others to go if you want a good catch. They say the crabs are best when their shells are all tough and filled with good meat. That’s when September comes around and them crabs done molted and they’re ready for ya!
Now, first thing’s first, if you want to go crabbing, you gotta get yourself a license. Yep, that’s right! You can’t just show up and throw your traps without one. People over 12 need to get themselves a shellfish license. You can find them at places like the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife or even at a local hardware store. Just make sure you know the rules before you head out, ’cause there’s a lotta things they keep track of. Don’t want no fines or trouble, right?
When’s the Best Time for Crabbing?
If you’re lookin’ to catch some good crabs, you might wanna plan your trip for September. That’s when them crabs are all filled out and their shells are tough—good for meat. If you go too early, you might just find a soft crab, and that ain’t what you want. The crabs gotta have their shells all hardened up before they’re worth your time. So, September’s your best bet, and it lasts ’til it starts rainin’ too much, usually at the end of October.
Another thing to know is that crabbing’s best when there’s an “R” in the month. Sounds funny, but that’s how the old-timers say it, and it’s true! The cooler months bring better crabs, that’s for sure.
Where to Go Crabbing in Depoe Bay?
Now, if you’re wonderin’ where to go crabbing in Depoe Bay, there’s a couple of spots that folks swear by. Most crabs around here live in the bays close to the ocean. You won’t find ’em far out, so you gotta be smart about where you drop your traps. Some say the best spots are right by the docks, close to the water. You can also try along the shoreline, but remember, the water’s got a lotta tides and currents, so it can be tricky.
- Depoe Bay Marina: This place’s a popular spot for local crabbers. It’s right by the water and easy to get to. You can even rent a boat if you need to go out a bit farther.
- Oregon Coastline: Don’t forget, the whole Oregon coast has spots for crabbing, and Depoe Bay’s got some of the best ones. Just keep an eye out for areas where the crabs like to hide.
- Public Docks: There’s plenty of public docks in the area where you can drop your traps. Just be sure to follow the rules and respect the locals.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Before you head out, make sure you got all the right gear. A crab trap’s what you need, and there’s all sorts of different ones you can use. Some people go for the ring traps, while others prefer the bigger traps that you can pull up from the boat or dock. Either way, you gotta have bait. Chicken, turkey legs, and even fish heads work good for attracting them crabs. Just make sure you’re using something that smells good to the crabs.
Now, don’t forget about your safety. The water out there can get rough, so make sure you’re careful. If you’re out on a boat, always wear a life jacket, even if you’re just going a little ways from the shore. The weather can change quick, so be prepared for anything.
Cleaning Your Catch
Once you’ve got your crabs, it’s time to clean ‘em. That’s where things get a little messy, but don’t worry, it ain’t too bad once you get the hang of it. First thing you gotta do is make sure the crab’s dead. You can tell by the way it feels when you touch it. If it feels too soft, it ain’t ready. Once you’ve got the right crab, you need to take off the legs and the shell. Clean out the insides, and you’re ready to cook. Some folks boil ‘em, others grill ‘em, but whichever way you do it, you’re in for a treat.
Fun for the Whole Family
Crabbing in Depoe Bay ain’t just for folks lookin’ to catch dinner. It’s a good way to spend some time outdoors, and it’s somethin’ the whole family can enjoy. Even the kids can get involved, throwin’ traps and checkin’ on ‘em. It’s a good way to teach ’em about nature and have a little fun too. And when the crabs come up, they sure get excited! There’s nothin’ like the thrill of catchin’ your own food and cookin’ it right there by the water.
Final Thoughts
If you ever find yourself near Depoe Bay, Oregon, and you got a hankerin’ for crabs, don’t hesitate to give it a try. Whether you’re an old hand at crabbing or a first-timer, you’ll find that the charm of the place and the thrill of the catch will make it worth your while. Just make sure you got your license, follow the rules, and respect the water, and you’ll have yourself a fine day crabbing.
Tags：[Depoe Bay crabbing, Oregon crabbing, Dungeness crabs, crabbing season, shellfish license, Depoe Bay Marina, Oregon coast fishing, crabbing tips, best time for crabbing, family crabbing activities]
