If you ever find yourself in Oregon and you’re lookin’ for somethin’ fun to do, crabbing over in Siletz Bay is a mighty fine way to spend your time. Now, don’t you go thinkin’ it’s just any ol’ crabbing spot. Siletz Bay’s got some good spots, and you gotta know where to go and when to get the best catch.
First things first, Siletz Bay, well, it’s a real nice spot located down in Lincoln City. You can get to it off Highway 101, and you just gotta follow the signs and you’ll get there. Now, let me tell ya, crabbing here ain’t no fancy thing, but if you know the ropes, you can get yourself some mighty fine crabs.
When’s the Best Time to Go Crabbing in Siletz Bay?
Now, for those of you who ain’t been crabbing before, there’s a little secret you need to know. The best time to go crabbing in Siletz Bay is a few hours after low tide. See, crabs, they like to come out when the water’s a bit deeper, and after the low tide, that’s when they’re lookin’ for food and are all active. If you go too early or too late, well, you might not catch much, so make sure you time it right.
Also, keep in mind that fall’s a real good time to go crabbing. Starting in September, the crabs start to “fill out,” which means you’re gonna get more meat in your catch. In fact, a hard-shelled crab might have 20% to 30% meat, while a soft-shelled one will be a bit lighter. But fall’s the time when they really pack on the pounds, so to speak.
Where to Crab in Siletz Bay
Siletz Bay’s got a couple of key spots where you can do your crabbing. You can start over by the Highway 101 bridge, that’s where the channel begins, and the crabs tend to hang around there. The water’s a bit deeper in the channel, so the crabs are more likely to be lurkin’ about. If you look at a map of the bay, you’ll see some areas that are especially good for crabbing. Just be sure you’re not in the shallow parts where there’s not much action.
There’s a place by Mo’s in Taft, it’s a nice little sandy beach where folks like to crab and fish. You’ll see a lot of people there, so if you’re new to it, you might want to start with the crowd. Plus, there are some boat ramps along the Siletz River too, if you prefer to go out on a boat.
How to Catch Crabs
Now, if you’re wonderin’ how to catch ‘em, well, crabbing ain’t all that hard. You’ll need some basic gear, like a crab trap or a ring net. You just drop your trap in the water, wait a little while, and then pull it back up to see if you’ve caught anything. Make sure you’re followin’ all the rules too. You gotta have a crabbing license in Oregon, so don’t forget that part. You can get one from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, either online or at some stores.
What Kind of Crabs Will You Catch?
The most common kind of crabs folks go after in Siletz Bay are the Dungeness crabs. They’ve got a sweet, delicate taste that makes them real popular around here. Now, crabs come in all sizes, and you gotta make sure you’re only keepin’ the legal-sized ones. If a crab’s too small, you gotta throw it back in the water so it can grow up big and strong.
Besides the Dungeness crabs, you might also come across some other kinds like the red rock crabs. They’re a little more of a challenge to catch, but if you’re experienced, you might get lucky.
Crabbing Regulations to Keep in Mind
Oregon’s got some rules when it comes to crabbing, and it’s important to follow ‘em. Besides needing a license, you also gotta follow limits on how many crabs you can keep in a day. They’ve got regulations for the size of the crabs too. If a crab ain’t big enough, back it goes into the water. You don’t wanna break the rules, or you could get in trouble.
Another thing to keep in mind is the seasonal rules. Some months might have restrictions, so make sure to check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife about the crabbing seasons. They’re pretty good about keeping folks informed, so you’ll always know when’s the right time to go.
Final Thoughts on Crabbing in Siletz Bay
If you’ve never been crabbing before, Siletz Bay is a great place to start. It’s got plenty of spots where you can catch crabs, and it’s not too hard to get the hang of it once you know where the crabs like to hide. Just be sure you’re following the rules, get your license, and head out there when the time’s right. You might just walk away with a bucket full of crabs to take home and cook up.
So, whether you’re a seasoned crabber or a beginner, Siletz Bay’s got everything you need for a good ol’ fashioned crabbing trip. Don’t forget to pack some lunch, ‘cause you’ll be out there for a bit, and there’s nothin’ like a hearty meal after a good day of crabbing. And remember, it’s all about patience – crabbing’s a waitin’ game, but the rewards are worth it.
Tags：[Siletz Bay Crabbing, Oregon Crabbing, Siletz Bay Fishing, Crabbing in Oregon, Dungeness Crabs, Siletz Bay, Oregon Coast Crabbing, Recreational Crabbing, Best Time to Crab, Crabbing Guide]
