Dungeness Crab

Crabbing for Dungeness near Seaside, Oregon, is a popular and rewarding activity, especially in the estuaries and bays. Tillamook Bay, easily accessible from Seaside, is a prime location. Crabbing is typically best during the fall and winter months when the crabs are most active and the water is colder. Use crab pots or rings baited with fish carcasses or commercially available crab bait. Position your pots in areas with sandy or muddy bottoms, near channels, or along the edges of eelgrass beds. A good strategy is to soak your pots for several hours or overnight. Be sure to check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for size limits, bag limits, and any seasonal closures before you head out. A local tip: crabbing is often more productive during slack tide, when the currents are weaker, allowing the crabs to move around more freely. Also, be aware of other boat traffic when setting and retrieving your gear.