Dungeness Crab

Crabbing for Dungeness off Carpinteria can be a rewarding experience. The nearshore waters and sandy bottom provide ideal habitat. The best time to drop your traps is during the cooler months, typically from late fall through winter, when the crabs are most active. Focus your efforts in depths of 20 to 60 feet, especially near sandy areas and structure. A good starting point is off Carpinteria State Beach. Use a sturdy crab trap baited with oily fish like mackerel or sardines. Be sure to check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for size and bag limits. A local tip: soak your traps overnight for best results, and check them early in the morning. Also, be mindful of the surf conditions, as rough seas can make it difficult to retrieve your traps. Crabbing is best done during slack tide when there is less current.