How to Fish for Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crabs are native to the Pacific Ocean and provide recreation for people catching them in the bays along the coast. Crabbing can be done from boats or docks that extend out into the bay. The most common method is to use a net made of two large iron rings. Netting connects the rings, and a wire bottom covers the bottom ring. A rope is tied to the upper ring and bait is wired to the bottom of the net. Check your state regulations for specific license requirements and other rules.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Crab net
• Bait
• Crab measuring scale
• Heavy rubber gloves
• Plastic 5 gal. bucket

1. Bait the net by wiring fish or a large fish head to the bottom of the net.

2. Tie the end of the net's rope to the dock or boat mooring ring. Drop the net into the water, holding the rope as it plays out.

3. Untie the rope when the net reaches the bay floor, and then retie it where the rope goes slack. Leave the net undisturbed for 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Pull the net up quickly by pulling the rope hand-over-hand. The net stretches out between the rings to form a basket, trapping the crabs inside.

5. Bring the net out of the water and drop it on the dock. With the measuring scale, check to see if any of the crabs brought up are of legal size to keep. Prior to crabbing, check on the legal size and limits for keeping crabs. The bait shops will know this information.

6. Throw all undersized crabs back into the water. Place the legal-sized crabs in the bucket half filled with bay water.

7. Drop the net back into the water and repeat the procedure.

Tips & Warnings

• Crab nets can be purchased or rented at bayside tackle shops. If you intend to crab frequently, buying your own net will pay for itself over renting one each time.

• Multiple nets can be used at once, increasing chances for a catch.

• Bait should be fish native to the bay; the crabber can fish for bait fish or buy crab bait from the tackle shop.

• When the net is pulled up it must be done as quickly as possible; a slow retrieve will allow the crabs to swim out over the top of the net.

• The best time to crab is during the incoming tide, as the crabs move into the bays with the tide.

• Crabs have powerful claws that can do substantial damage to fingers. Wear heavy rubber gloves when handling crabs and grab them from the rear, staying away from the claws.

References

• "Catching, Cleaning, and Cooking Bay Crabs;" Cooperative Extension Service; Oregon State University; Circular 744; 1970