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 Sunset Beach. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Dungeness Crab
Crabbing for Dungeness Crab near Sunset Beach can be a fun and rewarding activity, although commercial crabbing pressure is significant. While not as abundant as in Northern California, Dungeness can be found in deeper waters, typically 60-120 feet. The best time to crab is generally during the late fall and winter months, after the molting season. Use crab traps baited with fish carcasses or other strong-smelling bait. Be sure to check the regulations regarding trap placement, soak times, and size/quantity limits. A helpful tip is to use a GPS to mark the location of your traps to avoid losing them. Access to deeper water requires a boat; launch ramps are available in Huntington Harbour and Alamitos Bay. Dungeness crabs in this area tend to be a bit smaller than those found further north, but they are still a delicious treat.
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 Sunset Beach?
You can only keep Dungeness crab with a shell width of at least 5 3/4 inches when fishing in California.
How many Dungeness crabs can I catch per day near Sunset Beach?
The bag limit for Dungeness crab in California is 10 crabs per day. Make sure to check the current regulations for any specific closures or changes.
Is a fishing license required to catch Dungeness crab in Sunset Beach?
Yes, you need a valid California sport fishing license to harvest Dungeness crab in Sunset Beach.
Is there a specific season for Dungeness crab in the Sunset Beach area?
Yes, the Dungeness crab season varies by zone. Always check the current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for the specific dates and any potential closures before you go crabbing.
More Dungeness Crab Fishing in California
Other Species to Fish in Sunset Beach
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