Now, if you ever find yourself in Newport, Oregon, and you’re feelin’ like doin’ some crabbing, you’ve picked a mighty fine place. Newport’s got a lot of good spots for catchin’ them crabs, and you ain’t gotta be an expert to get a good haul. I’ve seen folks of all ages pull up their traps and get themselves a good meal. Let me tell you, crabbing in Newport ain’t just about the catch, it’s about the experience too.
Where to Go for Crabbing in Newport?
First thing you need to know is that Newport ain’t short of places to throw your crab traps. Yaquina Bay is a real hotspot, always full of crabs. That bridge bed area, it’s one of the best clam beds you’ll ever see, and believe me, it’s right good for crabbing too. Folks around here know it like the back of their hand. Then, if you head over to South Beach State Park, well, that’s another place where you can set up and get to catchin’ crabs all day long.
Best Time for Crabbing
Now, the best time to do your crabbing? That’s from September to December, right when the weather starts coolin’ down. You wouldn’t want to go crabbing in the middle of summer when the crabs are all scarce. The cooler months bring out more of ‘em. I’ve gone out myself in them months and it’s like they’re just waitin’ to get caught. So, mark them months on your calendar if you wanna make sure you get the most out of your crabbing trip.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
One thing you can’t forget is that you gotta have a license to crab around here. If you’re over 12 years old, they’ll want you to show a shellfish license before you even think about tossin’ out a trap. You can grab one of these licenses at the ODFW (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife) offices or at local bait shops, and I reckon most of them sporting goods stores have them too. Just make sure you check the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations so you know what’s allowed, or else you might be breakin’ some rules without even knowin’ it.
Crab Types and What You Might Catch
As for the crabs, you’ll mostly be catchin’ Dungeness crabs out there. These crabs are sweet, tender, and just about perfect for a crab boil, let me tell you. Every time I get my hands on one, it’s like heaven. They got a nice golden brown shell, and their meat just falls right out. Some folks even say they’re the best crabs on the whole west coast, and I ain’t about to argue with them.
Places Around Newport to Try
If you’re lookin’ for more places to get your crabbin’ fix, there’s a few spots not too far from Newport you could check out. Coos Bay, for instance, is one of the biggest estuaries along the coast and it’s perfect for crabbing. The South Slough area, that’s a real good place to catch crabs, so I hear. Florence’s Siuslaw River is another one. You got docks and all sorts of spots where you can just set up, drop your trap, and wait for the crabs to come to you.
What to Bring Along
Don’t go out there empty handed now. Besides your license, you’ll need a few things for crabbing. A good crab trap, of course. You can’t be crabbing without one of those. Then, you’ll need some bait—chicken legs work good, or you could try some fish parts. Whatever it is, the crabs like it strong, so don’t be shy with the smell. Also, bring some gloves if you don’t wanna get your hands all dirty pullin’ up them crabs. And don’t forget a cooler to keep ‘em fresh once you’ve caught your fill.
Checking the Best Crab Activity
If you’re ever unsure where the crabs are at any given time, I’d say talk to the locals. Them bait shops and ODFW folks know where the crabs are movin’ best. They can tell you where the crabbing’s been hot lately. Don’t be afraid to ask around, ’cause if there’s one thing folks around here love, it’s helping others get a good catch.
Crabbing Safety Tips
Lastly, always remember to stay safe when you’re out there crabbing. The water can be tricky, and the tides change quick. Make sure you’re checkin’ the weather before you head out, and if you’re on a boat, wear a life jacket. Safety first, always. Don’t let a good crabbing day turn into a bad memory. And make sure to follow the rules about size limits and how many crabs you can take home. Them regulations are there for a reason, to make sure the crabs keep comin’ back year after year.
So there you have it! If you’re ever in Newport, Oregon, and you want to try your hand at crabbing, it’s not hard to get started. Just remember to get your license, bring the right gear, and pick the right spot, and you’ll be on your way to a great crabbing adventure!
Tags：[Newport crabbing, Yaquina Bay, Oregon Dungeness crabs, crabbing tips, Oregon Coast crabbing, best crabbing locations, shellfish license, crabbing safety, Coos Bay, Florence crabbing, South Beach State Park, crabbing season, Oregon fishing regulations]
