Fishing Charters in California
Browse fishing charters in California that can help you catch dungeness crab.
Prisoner Rock Charters
Prisoner Rock Charters for Trinidad, California Fishing Trips! Halibut, Rockfish, Lingcod, Greenling, Dungeness Crab, & more. Call (541) 749-0145
Unforgettable Fishing Adventures
Unforgettable Fishing in the San Francisco Bay and Outside the Golden Gate. Fishing for King Salmon, Halibut, Striped Bass, Dungeness crab, Ling Cod, Rockfish and Sharks. Experience a world class Fishery with views of the Iconic Golden Gate Bridge and located in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, California.
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Come out on the Warrior Poet for full and half day fishing charters on the San Francisco Bay and beyond the Golden Gate, departing from Fisherman's Wharf. Fishing Charters for rock fish, sturgeon, stripers, salmon, shark, Dungeness crab, tuna, ling cod, halibut on the San Francisco Bay and beyond the Golden Gate.
Best Time to Catch Dungeness Crab
Dungeness Crab can be caught year-round in San Luis Obispo. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab are a popular target along the San Luis Obispo coastline, offering a delicious reward for your efforts. Crabbing is typically best during the cooler months, from November to June, when the crabs are closer to shore. Deploy crab traps or snares in sandy-bottomed areas near piers, jetties, or kelp forests in depths of 20-60 feet. Fresh bait, such as squid or fish carcasses, is essential for attracting crabs. A local tip: check your traps frequently, as crabs tend to scavenge quickly. The Avila Beach Pier and the Morro Bay Embarcadero are popular spots for recreational crabbing, offering easy access and scenic views. Be sure to consult the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for current crabbing seasons, size limits, and gear restrictions.
How to Catch Dungeness Crab
Dungeness Crab Fishing Regulations in California
Open Season
Varies by zone; check current regulations
Daily Bag Limit
10 per day
Size Limit
5 3/4-inch minimum shell width
License Required
Sport fishing license
Regulations vary between the North and Central Management Areas. Check for specific gear restrictions and potential season closures due to domoic acid.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the California state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in California
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the minimum size for Dungeness crab I can keep in San Luis Obispo?
You can only keep Dungeness crab with a shell width of at least 5 3/4 inches. Be sure to measure carefully!
What's the daily bag limit for Dungeness crab in the San Luis Obispo area?
The bag limit for Dungeness crab is 10 per day.
Is a fishing license required to catch Dungeness crab in San Luis Obispo?
Yes, you need a valid California sport fishing license to harvest Dungeness crab from saltwater and brackish waters near San Luis Obispo.
When is Dungeness crab season open near San Luis Obispo?
Dungeness crab season varies by zone, so it's important to check the current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations before crabbing.
More Dungeness Crab Fishing in California
Other Species to Fish in San Luis Obispo
Ready to Catch Dungeness Crab in San Luis Obispo?
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