Well, now, if y’all ever find yourself down by Newport, Oregon, and got a hankerin’ for some crabs, lemme tell ya, you’re in for a real treat. Crabbing here’s a mighty fine way to spend a day, though it ain’t no walk in the park. Now, you gotta remember, there’s rules to follow, so don’t go thinking you can just hop on the pier and start catchin’ without a care in the world. There’s regulations put in place to make sure we don’t go messin’ up the balance of things out there in them waters. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, or ODFW as they call it, they’re mighty serious about all that.
So first off, you gotta know the right seasons. Best time to go crabbing, I reckon, is in the fall. That’s when them crabs are really startin’ to fill out. Now, crabs, they come in different shapes and sizes, and them hard-shelled ones, they got about 20 to 30% of meat inside ’em. But don’t go settlin’ for no soft-shelled ones—those might only have about 12% meat, and that ain’t no good. September through November, that’s your golden window, so mark your calendars, folks!
Now, as for where to do it, Newport is one of the finest spots you could choose. The waters are rich with crabs, and there’s plenty of spots to drop your traps. Whether you’re on the shore, pier, or out on a small boat, you’re likely to have a good time. If you’re not too familiar with it, or if you’re just lookin’ for some company, you might want to hire one of them guide services. There’s this Marvin’s Guide Service folks always talk about, they take families out on the water and show you the ropes. A little help from someone who knows the lay of the land—makes things a whole lot easier, don’t it?
But let me tell ya, crabbing ain’t just about tossin’ out a line and waitin’ for the crabs to come runnin’. It’s about patience, and a bit of know-how. You’ll need to check them traps regularly, and make sure you’re followin’ the limits set by the state. There’s a size limit for them crabs, and you don’t want to get caught with a trap full of too-small ones. Them little crabs, you gotta send ’em back where they came from, just like the law says.
Now, the best part of crabbing, in my humble opinion, comes after the work’s done and you got your catch. Oh, you just can’t beat the taste of fresh crab. Whether you’re boilin’ ‘em up, steamin’ ‘em, or just crackin’ ‘em open right there by the water, it’s the kind of food that makes you feel like you’re truly enjoyin’ the fruits of the earth, so to speak. A bit of melted butter on the side, maybe a squeeze of lemon if you’re feelin’ fancy, and you’re all set. Trust me, there ain’t nothin’ quite like it.
Now, don’t forget, there’s other places around here, too, that are good for crabbing. Depoe Bay and Waldport are a few others folks talk about. Them places can be just as good, but Newport’s got a way of makin’ folks feel right at home. It’s all about the vibe, and Newport sure does have that laid-back, coastal charm to it. You can spend the whole day out there, workin’ the waters, then head back to town for some chowder or maybe a little seafood dinner at one of them local joints.
Before you head out, though, be sure to check the rules and make sure you got the right permits. Y’see, the rules change from year to year, and they don’t take kindly to folks breakin’ ‘em. They do it to keep the waters healthy, so that next year, the crabs are still there for folks to catch. It’s all about respectin’ nature, folks.
So, if crabbing’s somethin’ you’ve been wantin’ to try, head on over to Newport. Pack a lunch, bring your gear, and get ready to enjoy the beautiful waters and the fine crabs they got swimmin’ ‘round in ‘em. It’s a fun way to spend the day, and you’ll leave with a belly full of good food and a story to tell.
Tips for a Successful Crabbing Trip:
- Check the season and the weather before you go—no one likes crabbing in the rain!
- Make sure your traps are the right size and follow all local fishing regulations.
- Don’t forget your gloves and a bucket to keep the crabs in!
- If you’re new to crabbing, consider hiring a guide to help show you the ropes.
- Be patient—crabbing can take time, but it’s worth the wait!
Tags：[Newport crabbing, crabbing in Newport, Oregon crabbing, Newport Bay fishing, crabbing regulations, Oregon coastal crabbing]
