Dungeness Crab

Crabbing for Dungeness in Eureka can be incredibly rewarding. Humboldt Bay offers a fantastic environment for these crustaceans, with its mix of saltwater and brackish water. The best time to drop your pots is typically during the fall and winter months, when the crabs are most active and closer to shore. Look for areas with sandy or muddy bottoms near the channel edges. A pro tip: use a mix of oily fish and chicken as bait to attract those Dungeness. Be sure to check your pots regularly, especially during peak season, as they can fill up quickly. Launching from the public ramp near Samoa Bridge provides easy access to productive crabbing grounds within the bay. Always ensure your pots are properly weighted and marked, and familiarize yourself with California's crabbing regulations, including size limits and permissible gear. The Dungeness crab population here is relatively healthy, but responsible harvesting is key to maintaining a sustainable fishery.