How to Catch Dungeness Crab in California
Dungeness crabs, which are indigenous to the West Coast, are prized for their sweet flavor. They are available in California from November through June and prefer the gentler waters of bays to the ocean. Crabbing, or catching crabs, is a popular pastime. Anyone can crab provided they have the right equipment and know how to use it. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Find a spot with a large crab population. Bays up and down the California coast, from Mendocino to San Diego, offer crabbing opportunities. Bay-front businesses that serve the sport fishing community, such bait shops, should be able to tell you the best locations. The best time to go crabbing is just before low or high tide.
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Select bait with a strong odor. Strong odors attract crabs. Fresh fish carcasses and chicken and turkey are popular crab bait.
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Arrange your gear and net in a straight line that runs parallel to the main tidal or shipping channel. This will allow boat traffic to pass without hitting your ropes or floats.
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Position your boat almost directly above the net. Otherwise, you run the risk of larger crabs escaping through the opening along the top. Pull your net every 15 to 30 minutes to see how many crabs have taken the bait.
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Remove your catch from the net by grasping both of a crab's rear legs. That will prevent the crab from attacking you with its powerful pincers.
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Place a ruler along the widest point of the shell to measure any crabs that appear to be undersized. California law prohibits taking crabs less than 5.75 inches (14.6 cm) in width. Release these crabs immediately.
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Tips & Warnings
The catch limit for Dungeness crabs in California is 10 per day.
Handle undersized or softshell crabs (crabs that have molted, or shed, their shells) with great care. They are fragile and should be returned to the water immediately..
California regulations prohibit the harvesting of female Dungeness crabs. You can distinguish female from male crabs by their broad abdomen, also known as the tail flap. Immediately release any females that get caught in your nets.
References
- Photo Credit dungeness crab image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
