Dungeness Crab

Crabbing for Dungeness off Fort Bragg is a popular pastime and a delicious reward. The nearshore waters, especially around Noyo Harbor and Caspar Cove, offer excellent crabbing grounds. The best time to drop your pots is typically during the fall and winter months, after the first major storms churn up the bottom and dislodge crabs. Focus on sandy or muddy bottoms in depths of 60 to 120 feet. Using traps baited with fish carcasses or chicken works well. Check your pots regularly, as Dungeness crabs are quick to find them. A useful local tip is to add some weight to your traps to keep them from drifting in strong currents. Keep an eye on the regulations regarding size limits and the number of traps allowed per person, as these are strictly enforced. Be mindful of weather conditions, as the ocean can be unpredictable, and always prioritize safety.