If you’re lookin’ to get outta the house and do somethin’ fun, crabbing in Anacortes is one of the best ways to spend your time. Now, let me tell ya, this ain’t just any ol’ hobby. It’s a real treat for folks lookin’ to catch some of the tastiest crabs around. Anacortes, with its beautiful views and great waters, is the perfect place to throw down a crab pot and see what you can catch. So, if you’re thinkin’ of tryin’ it out, let me walk ya through a few things to make sure your crabbing trip is a success.
First off, when you’re headin’ to Anacortes, you best make sure you know the rules. Now, these rules ain’t too hard to follow, but you gotta pay attention. When you’re crabbing, especially in the Puget Sound area, you gotta make sure you’re in the right spots. See, crabs don’t just live anywhere. You gotta be in Marine Areas 1 through 3 if you want to catch ’em legal-like. Some spots are only open during certain times, like from July 15th to September 30th, and only on Thursdays through Mondays. So, if you wanna avoid gettin’ in trouble, double-check the dates before you head out.
Where to Go Crabbing in Anacortes?
- One of the best places to drop your pot is Cap Sante Marina. It’s known for good crabbing spots, and it’s a great place to get started if you’re new to the whole thing.
- Another good option is Black Rock Seafood. They got a good reputation for seafood and crabbing, so you know you’re in the right place.
- If you want a more adventurous experience, you can check out Jolly Mon Charters, where they’ll take you out on a boat and show you the ropes of crabbing on the water.
- Taylor Shellfish Farms is another solid option for crabbing. They’ve got a long history of crabbing, so they know the best spots in the area.
Now, once you get your crab pots set up, don’t think it’s just a matter of sittin’ there and waitin’ for the crabs to come crawlin’ in. You gotta keep an eye on your traps and make sure they’re in the right depth of water. The crabs like to hang out in deeper water, but not too deep, so it’s important to find that sweet spot. If you’re lucky, you might pull in a big Dungeness crab or two. But remember, crabbing ain’t always easy. Sometimes you gotta wait a while before you catch anything worth braggin’ about.
And let’s talk about what you’re gonna do with those crabs once you catch ’em. Well, first thing’s first, you gotta make sure you’re catchin’ the right ones. Dungeness crabs are the prize, but make sure they’re legal size. If they’re too small, you gotta throw ’em back in the water. And don’t forget, you gotta record your catch on your catch record card (CRC) right away after you pull the crabs outta the water. That’s a rule you can’t skip, or else you could get in some serious trouble with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
What You Need for Crabbing in Anacortes
- Crab Pots – You’re gonna need some pots to catch the crabs. These can be bought at most local stores in Anacortes, or you can rent ’em from places like Taylor Shellfish Farms.
- Bait – Crabs love fish, so get yourself some bait like herring or salmon. Put it in your pot to lure the crabs in.
- Catch Record Card – This is important, so don’t forget it! It’s required to record the crabs you catch.
- License – You’ll need a fishing license for crabbing, so don’t forget to grab one before you head out on the water.
If you’re headin’ out in a boat, you’ll also want to be careful of the weather. It can get a little rough on the water sometimes, and you don’t wanna be out there in stormy weather, trust me. But on a nice day, it’s a beautiful place to be. Whether you’re crabbing off the shore or on a boat, there’s somethin’ peaceful about being on the water and waiting for that tug on your line.
Crabbing Seasons and Regulations
Now, crabbing season in Anacortes ain’t open all year, so you gotta keep track of the dates. For example, the pot gear season closes for a portion of September and October. So, if you’re plannin’ a trip during those months, make sure you check the rules first. There’s nothing worse than showin’ up all excited to crab and findin’ out you’re in the wrong season. And remember, you can only crab in certain places during certain times, so don’t make the mistake of thinking you can just go anywhere.
Lastly, crabbing in Anacortes is about more than just catchin’ crabs. It’s about enjoyin’ the outdoors, spendin’ time with family and friends, and gettin’ a little taste of what the ocean has to offer. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, crabbing in Anacortes can be a fun, rewarding experience. Just make sure you’re followin’ the rules, and you’ll be sure to have a great time.
Tags：[Anacortes crabbing, Dungeness crabs, crabbing spots in Anacortes, Puget Sound crabbing, Cap Sante Marina, Jolly Mon Charters, Taylor Shellfish Farms, Black Rock Seafood, recreational crabbing, crabbing regulations]
