All About Catching Dungeness Crab in Newport, Oregon

If you are familiar with Newport, Oregon, then you probably already know how seriously they take their Dungeness Crabs. In 2007, the area was actually dubbed as ‘The Dungeness Crab Capital of the World!’

You can find commercial crabbers harvesting record numbers of Dungeness Crabs for over 10 years now. And it isn’t only commercial fishers, but locals and visitors as well. Anyone has an opportunity to catch Dungeness crabs themselves to have a feast.

But how can you go on catching Dungeness crab in Newport, Oregon? Read on to find out!

Catching Dungeness Crab in Newport, Oregon

When you go crabbing in Yaquina Bay, it doesn’t require expert experience and expenses. You only need minimal preparation and some experience to get started.

When to Go Crabbing

The area is open for crabbing all year long, though it is best to go crabbing from September to the winter months. This is when the crabs have more meat in them.

As for the specific time during the day, it’s best to do so at times when there’s less difference between low and high tide. Avoid crabbing during slack tides, since carbs won’t be pushed by the tidal exchange. Also, avoid crabbing right after it rained, as this would swirl crabs, limiting how they feed.

Crabbers swear by crabbing after incoming tides, as this would bring fresh crabs from the ocean to the bays. You can try this yourself and see how it goes!

 

What to Prepare

Regardless of where and how you go crabbing, you’ll need to prepare a few items to start. These are what to pack:

• A list of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations
• Crab gauge measuring tool
• More than 40 feet of rope
• Crab bait
• A buoy
• Other crabbing supplies like pots and rings
• Shellfishing license for Oregon

Speaking of the Oregon Sprot Fishing Regulations, here are the rules and limitations to follow when crabbing:

• A crabber should use only 3 pieces of crab gear, either pots or rings
• They should not harvest any more than 12 male Dungeness crabs that measure 6 inches or more

Besides this, remember to dress up for the occasion! Depending on that day’s weather, dress up in warm clothes and gloves.

 

Crabbing Supplies

When baiting your traps, use chicken, clams, turkey, small fish, fish carcasses, or any other meat scraps. Just make sure that you have fresh bait.

One of the best baits is mink, with the smell of carcass attracting crabs. Salmon heads and frozen chicken also work very well and are pretty affordable, too.

When wondering whether to use pots or rings, it’s recommended to use a combination of both. This will have you maximize the ground covered so you can catch even more crabs.

Catching Dungeness Crabs from Boat

If you are crabbing by a boat, stay out of navigational channels, away from any boat traffic. Choose an area where you can drop your pots or traps to at least 20 feet in depth. There are charter boats that have depth finders or you can invest in one as well.

When you begin crabbing, use a sinking line rather than a floating line, which should be more than twice the estimated depth so it won’t get tangled by boat propellers or go away from the erratic currents.

The leaded line also works to have the line sink in waters, using stand-up buoys with a flag for people to see your trap. This will make it easier to pull your line out of the water as quickly as possible, which lessens the risk of crabs climbing out of your pot or ring.

As for your pots and traps, they should be heavy enough to sink until it reaches the sandy bottoms. Furthermore, your buoys and floats should be easy to distinguish against the gear of other crabbers.

 

Catching Dungeness Crabs from Docks

If you crabbing from docks or piers, you’ll find that it’s actually easier and more affordable compared to crabbing from boats. However, take note that the availability of crabs is limited to one area where you drop traps.

When in Newport, head to the Port of Newport public fishing pier by South Beach, or the piers of Abbey Street and Bay Street from Historic Bayfront. These are the best crabbing spots.

As you prepare for crabbing, tie off the ends of the crab line to the chosen pier, positioning your pots and rings to prevent interfering with any boat traffic.

If you will use pots, allow them to sit undisturbed for about an hour or so before you pull it in to check the catch. If you use rings, allow them to sit for 10 minutes (or more) before you check them. Pull them consistently, allowing your basket shape to catch all crabs in your trap.

Crab rings and pots are affordable and can be bought anywhere in the Newport Area. You can also rent them, which is more affordable especially for those who are crabbing for the first time.

Extra Tips to Follow

Besides what was mentioned above, what else should you know about crabbing?

One helpful tip for successful catches is to ask crabbers from the docks and piers. They can help you find the best location for crabbing, the baits that work, the crabs being caught, among more information.

When you now have crabs to bring home, what’s next? Obviously, it’s to cook them well! There are so many dishes you can make to feast on your catch. However, before you cook and eat, make sure that you clean them and wash out all their guts.

 

Wrapping It Up

Catching Dungeness crabs in Newport, Oregon is one of the most popular and fun activities one can do. The entire family can do it, whether on a charter boat or by the docks and piers. Once you have a few crabs, you can get that delicious meal you’ve been waiting for.

 

Hopefully, this guide will help with your future crabbing trips when in Newport, Oregon. Now that you know what to do, prepare the right gear and practice your crabbing skills!