Now, let me tell ya, if you’re thinkin’ of headin’ to Westport, Washington, to do some crabbing, you’re in for a real treat! Folks been crabbing in Westport for years, and they sure know how to catch ’em good. Now, the crabbing season’s open year-round here on the Washington coast, but there’s a few things you gotta know before you go droppin’ your pots and lines.
First things first, crabbing’s a lot like fishin’, ya gotta know the right time and place. You see, they open up the crab pots from December 1st through September 15th, but crabbing gear other than pots can be used all year. So, if you don’t have a pot, you can still use other methods, like traps or lines, all year long. Now, ain’t that convenient?
So where do you go crabbing in Westport? Well, the Westport Marina is a big ol’ favorite. Folks from all over head to Float 20, which is a well-known crabbing pier right outside the marina. If you’re the kind of person who likes a little quiet, it’s a fine spot to catch a big ol’ Dungeness crab or a Rock crab. And you ain’t gotta go far from the dock to find ‘em either. Families and tourists alike have been goin’ there for years. Now, if you ask me, crabbing’s a great way to spend a day with the grandkids or even with some good ol’ fishing buddies.
But you ain’t just limited to the docks! Now, if you’re feelin’ a little adventurous, you can head out on a boat, too. A lotta folks take their little boats out to the deeper water where they set up their pots. And let me tell ya, the waters out there are full of crabs, just waitin’ to be caught. Of course, you gotta make sure you follow the rules. There’s a limit on how many crabs you can catch, and the size matters too. You don’t want no baby crabs in your pot, no sir!
Now, when you think of Westport, you gotta think of Dungeness crabs. They’re the star of the show here. Ain’t no crab quite as tasty as a Dungeness. People come from all over the west coast to get their hands on ‘em. Commercial fishing boats sail in and out of Westport bringing in these fine crabs by the truckload. I tell ya, it’s the backbone of Westport’s seafood business. You can’t beat ‘em for flavor. And I reckon they taste even better when you catch ‘em yourself!
Now, don’t get confused when I say “Dungeness” crabs. Some folks might try to tell ya that the Rock crabs are better, but don’t you believe it! Sure, they’re good too, but there’s just somethin’ special about a Dungeness. It’s sweet, tender, and just melts in your mouth. When you catch one, you know you’re in for a real feast.
But crabbing’s not just about the crabs. It’s about the experience, too. The fresh salty air, the sound of the water splashing, and just the thrill of pulling up a full pot. A lotta folks tell me they do it for the peace and quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of life. And if you ask any local, they’ll tell ya, the best time to go crabbing is in the early mornin’ when the sun’s just comin’ up. It’s peaceful, and you’ll have a better chance of gettin’ a good catch. As the sun gets higher, the crabs tend to move on, so you gotta beat the sun if you want the best haul.
Now, let’s talk a little about the rules. It’s important to know what you can and can’t do. Crabbing regulations can change depending on the time of year, and you definitely don’t want to be in trouble with the law. For example, in the fall, the season’s restricted in some places to help protect the crabs. You can’t go crabbing all willy-nilly, especially not when the crabs are molting and all soft-shelled. It’s all about keepin’ the crab population healthy, and that’s somethin’ I reckon we all gotta care about.
If you’re out there in the fall or early winter, you might want to check the tide times too. The best time for crabbing is when the tide’s coming in. That’s when the crabs are most active, wanderin’ around lookin’ for food. If you’re using traps, you ain’t gotta worry too much about the tide, but if you’re just usin’ a line, that tide will make all the difference.
And here’s a little tip from me—make sure you’ve got your gear all in order before you head out. There’s nothing worse than gettin’ to the docks and findin’ out you forgot your bait or your rope’s all tangled. A good ol’ crab pot, some bait, and a little patience is all ya need to get started.
Westport’s got a lotta charm, and crabbing’s just one of the things that makes it so special. It’s a place where the sea meets the land, and the crabs are plenty. Whether you’re new to crabbing or you’ve been at it for years, you’ll find somethin’ to love here. So, pack up your gear, grab a bucket, and head on over to Westport. It’s time to catch some crabs!
Tags: [Westport Crabbing, Dungeness Crab, Crabbing Washington Coast, Crabbing Tips, Westport Marina, Recreational Crabbing, Fishing Westport, Crab Pots, Dungeness Crab Fishing, Crabbing Pier]
