Well, let me tell ya somethin’ ’bout crabbing over in Westport, WA. It’s one of them things where ya gotta get out there early in the mornin’ if ya want a good catch, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a real fun time. Folks from all over, even outta state, come down to fish and grab themselves some of them tasty crabs, mostly them Dungeness ones. Ain’t no better crab in these parts, I swear on it!
Now, crabbing ain’t no hard thing, but it does take a bit o’ know-how. You can catch them right off the docks at Westport Marina if you ain’t got a boat, just like them other families that come here every year. They drop them traps in the water and wait, but if ya ain’t got a clue, there’s plenty o’ guides and local businesses that’ll show ya the ropes. They got all sorts o’ gear you can use to make sure ya bring in a good catch. Trust me, a good pot and some patience is all you need. If you ain’t catchin’ nothin’, just try a different spot. It’s all part o’ the game.
Now, crabbing season, that’s somethin’ you gotta keep in mind. It ain’t open all year long in every spot. But in Westport, lucky for ya, it’s a year-round thing, so you can get your crab fix any time. But if you’re real serious ’bout it, them commercial boats that bring in the big haul—well, they tend to come in from all up and down the coast. But for folks like you and me, just comin’ to enjoy a day on the water, it don’t matter. We got our own little spots right there by the docks, and let me tell ya, them Dungeness crabs? They’ll make your tastebuds sing! Tasty as can be, and they ain’t hard to catch if you know where to look.
There’s something real special ‘bout that crab season in Westport, especially when the Crab Derby rolls around. You ever been to one of them? They got folks from all over comin’ to see who can catch the biggest one, and it’s always a good time. Ain’t no pressure, though, if you just there for fun. Even if you ain’t bringin’ in the biggest crabs, you’ll sure have a good time watchin’ the pros at work. I reckon the best part is sittin’ back, enjoyin’ the view, and watchin’ folks drop them pots all over the water. It’s like a big ol’ community fishin’ fest.
But crabbing ain’t just a summer thing, nope! It’s year-round on the coast here in Washington. Some areas, they got specific times when the pots can’t be dropped, mostly in the fall, so them crabs don’t get too soft-shelled. That’s the last thing you want when you’re tryin’ to catch somethin’ tasty! But when it’s open, you can see all them boats out there, even in the winter. And Birch Bay, oh goodness, that’s one of the best spots in the whole state, though I reckon Westport’s right up there too. Ain’t no better feeling than pullin’ in a big ol’ Dungeness right off the dock after a nice morning out on the water.
And if ya don’t know, Dungeness crabs are the cream of the crop. They’re the backbone of all that seafood comin’ outta Westport, and believe me, they ain’t hard to love. Whether you’re seasoned at crabbing or just a newbie, you’ll be able to appreciate them little critters. And the folks who’ve been at it for years, they make it look easy, but it’s all ‘bout the technique. Once you get that down, you’ll be catchin’ crabs like a pro in no time. And don’t get me started on how good they taste once you get ’em home. A little bit o’ butter, some garlic, and you’re set for a real treat!
All said and done, Westport is a mighty fine place to catch crabs, whether you’re doin’ it for fun or you’re there to make a good haul. So, next time you’re lookin’ for a day out on the water, I say give crabbing a try. You might just end up with a few good stories to tell, and if you’re lucky, a big ol’ pot of Dungeness crabs to feast on. Ain’t nothing better!
Tags:[Westport Crabbing, Dungeness Crab, Crabbing in Washington, Westport WA Crab Season, Recreational Fishing, Crab Derby, Washington Coast Crabbing, Fishing Tips]