Now, if you’re thinkin’ about goin’ crabbing down in Hood Canal, well, you’re in for a treat! Hood Canal, that’s over on the Washington Coast, is a mighty fine place for catchin’ some crabs, especially if you like them Dungeness ones. They’re good eatin’, I tell ya! The water’s calm, and there’s plenty of places to drop your pots, from Union to Lilliwaup, up to Hoodsport, Seabeck, Dabob Bay, and even Quilcene. It’s a real peaceful spot to spend a day out on the water.
Now, you might be wonderin’ when’s the best time to go? Well, for those of us who ain’t got much time, you gotta know the season. See, in Hood Canal, the Dungeness crab season runs from July 1st to September 5th. That’s when the waters are warm, and the crabs are plenty. You can crab Thursday through Monday, but you gotta remember, they close it up for the winter. It don’t stay open all year round. This year, for example, they closed the southern part of Marine Area 12, down past Ayock Point, and that’s for conservation reasons, so the crabs don’t all get caught up and we still got some for the next season. Can’t be too greedy, right?
But don’t think just because the crabbing’s closed in the winter that you can’t do anythin’ else around there. The place is beautiful, with all the mountains and trees. Even in the off-season, folks go there for a quiet time, fishin’, walkin’, or just sittin’ by the water, listenin’ to the birds. You can even try your luck at clamming, if crabs ain’t in season. There’s always somethin’ to do!
So, let me tell you a bit about what you need for crabbing in Hood Canal. First, you’re gonna need a crab pot, or a trap, to catch ’em. They got these big ol’ ones that you drop in the water, and then you wait for the crabs to crawl in. You can use a little bait, like chicken or fish, to tempt ’em in there. Be sure to check your pots regularly, or else you might miss out on your catch.
Some tips for crabbing:
- Check the regulations: You gotta know when it’s open and when it’s closed. And you’ll need a license too, so don’t forget that. They don’t want anyone catchin’ crabs without the right papers.
- Measure your catch: They got rules on how big the crabs need to be before you keep ‘em. You don’t wanna be breakin’ any laws, so always measure ‘em before you toss ‘em in your bucket.
- Respect the limits: There’s a limit on how many crabs you can take. Don’t go overboard, they’ll get you for that too.
- Be mindful of the soft-shells: In the fall, some places close for a bit to give the crabs time to grow their hard shells back. You don’t wanna catch a soft-shell, ’cause they’re not good eatin’. They ain’t worth your time, and it ain’t good for the crab population neither.
Now, I’ve been crabbing more times than I can count, and let me tell you, there’s nothin’ like the satisfaction of pullin’ up a pot full of crabs. It’s a real treat when you’re out there on the water, with the wind blowin’ in your hair and the smell of the salt air. And when you get home with your catch, there’s just nothin’ better than a big ol’ crab boil with butter and garlic. Mmm, now that’s livin’!
But remember, when you’re crabbing in Hood Canal, you gotta be responsible. Take only what you need, and follow the rules. It helps keep the crab population strong so we can keep enjoyin’ ‘em for years to come. And don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful views while you’re out there. It’s a good way to clear your mind and spend a peaceful day.
So, if you’re lookin’ for a good crabbing spot, Hood Canal’s the place to be. With its calm waters and bountiful crabs, you’ll have yourself a fine time, as long as you keep an eye on the season and follow the rules. Happy crabbing, folks!
Tags：[Hood Canal Crabbing, Dungeness Crab, Washington Coast, Crabbing Season, Marine Area 12, Hood Canal Crabbing Tips, Crab Fishing, Crab Pot, Soft-shell Crabs, Crabbing Regulations]
