Dungeness Crab

If you're looking to harvest some delicious Dungeness crab, Bodega Bay offers some prime opportunities. The crabbing season typically opens in November and can run through June, but the best time is often right at the beginning after the first big storms churn up the bay and stir up the crabs. Focus your efforts in the deeper channels and near the mouth of the bay where the water is cooler and better oxygenated. Many anglers have success using crab pots baited with herring or other oily fish. Consider launching from the Spud Point Marina, which provides excellent access to the bay. Be aware of the regulations regarding size and limits, as California Fish and Wildlife enforces them strictly. A good local tip is to check the tides – crabbing is often more productive on an incoming tide as the crabs move into the bay to feed.