Well, let me tell ya, if you’re thinkin’ about goin’ crabbing in Depoe Bay, Oregon, you best be ready for some good ol’ fashioned fun. Now, this ain’t no fancy city stuff. This here’s the real deal, and you gotta know the right time and the right way to catch them crabs. So, let me share a few things I know ’bout it, and maybe you’ll get you a good mess of crabs for supper!
First thing’s first, you gotta know when to go. Now, don’t go thinkin’ you can just show up any ol’ time and expect a big ol’ haul. No sir. Crabbing’s best in the months that got an “r” in ‘em. Yep, that’s right. From September to December, you’re most likely to catch a good number of crabs. You can try in the warmer months, but you might end up with soft crabs that ain’t worth much.
Now, Depoe Bay, it’s got itself the world’s smallest harbor, and it’s a real treat if you know where to look. You see, crabs tend to hang around them bays close to the ocean, so make sure you ain’t too far inland. You don’t want no crabs that’s all soft and squishy, you want them nice and firm! You’ll find them along the rocky parts, but ya gotta have the right tools to get ’em out.
For crabbing, folks around here use a thing called a crab hawk. Don’t be gettin’ confused, it ain’t no bird! It’s a castable trap, and it works pretty good for catchin’ them crabs. All you gotta do is throw it out into the water, wait for a bit, and reel ’em in. If you ain’t got one, you might wanna get yourself one before you head out. I reckon they’re worth the investment if you wanna make sure you catch somethin’ worth bringin’ home.
But before you go, there’s somethin’ else you gotta know—rules and licenses! Yep, in Oregon, if you’re 12 or older, you gotta get yourself a shellfish license. You can get it at local hardware stores or the ODFW offices. And, don’t go thinkin’ you can just ignore the rules. There’s some regulations you gotta follow about how many crabs you can take and what size they gotta be. Ain’t no sense in gettin’ caught without the right papers, right?
If you’re new to crabbing, don’t be shy to ask around. The folks over in Depoe Bay are friendly and will help you out. There’s also plenty of charter boats that can take you out for a crabbing trip if you don’t wanna mess with it yourself. They know all the good spots and can show ya how it’s done. But if you want to do it yourself, well, you got plenty of spots to choose from. Places like Siletz Bay are great for beginners. Just be sure to bring enough butter, ‘cause you ain’t gonna want your crabs dry! Butter’s the secret, I tell ya!
Now, when you do catch your crabs, you best be ready to cook ’em up right. Ain’t nothing better than a big ol’ crab feed, and in Depoe Bay, they got themselves a special crab cookin’ contest every year. It’s always a good time, with the smell of that sweet crab fillin’ the air. And don’t forget, folks love them chowder contests too. If you’ve never had some good ol’ crab chowder, you’re missin’ out!
But crabbing ain’t just about the food, it’s about the whole experience. The salty air, the sound of the waves, the excitement when you catch that first crab. It’s a way of life around here, and it’s somethin’ you’ll remember for a long time. So pack up your gear, get your license, and head on out to Depoe Bay. It don’t matter if you’re a seasoned crabber or a first-timer, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Just remember—don’t rush it. Take your time and enjoy the moment.
If you’re comin’ to Depoe Bay for crabbing, here’s a little list of tips to help ya out:
- Get a license: Don’t forget, you gotta have it if you’re 12 or older!
- Best time: Crabbing’s best from September to December, when the crabs are good and firm.
- Get a crab hawk: These castable traps are great for catchin’ crabs.
- Know your spots: Siletz Bay’s a good place to start if you’re new to crabbing.
- Bring butter: Trust me, it makes all the difference when you’re cookin’ ‘em up.
Now, don’t get me wrong—crabbing ain’t easy, but it sure is worth it. You take your time, follow the rules, and enjoy the beauty of Depoe Bay, and you’re sure to have a good ol’ time. So get on out there and start catchin’ yourself some crabs! You won’t regret it!
Tags: [Depoe Bay crabbing, Oregon crabbing, best crabbing spots, shellfish license, crab hawk, Depoe Bay fishing, Oregon coast crabbing, crabbing tips, Siletz Bay crabbing]
