Everything You Need to Know About Crabbing In Newport, Oregon

Newport waters have some of the best fish, crabs, and clams that you can find. It’s the reason why the region is so well-known for its fishing attractions. One of the most popular attractions? Crabbing for Dungeness crabs – one of the most popular (and delicious) species of crab. Crab fishing is becoming increasingly easy and stress-free because of professional fishing charters in Newport, Oregon. These fishing charters act as a one-stop service for crabbing experiences in Newport, Oregon. Aside from the boat and equipment, fishing charters also help guide you for a productive crabbing trip.

Interested in adding crab fishing to your next trip to Newport? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about crabbing Newport-style.

Fishing for the Dungeness Crab

The Dungeness crab is a type of crab found on the West Coast that stays close to the ocean floor. Dungeness crabs can often be confused with other crab, but they are actually a distinct species. It is considered a global delicacy because of its unique taste and its sustainability compared to other over-fished peers. 

In Oregon, the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife has regulations that govern catching Dungeness and Red rock crabs. Only crabs measuring 5 and ¾ inches or larger can be caught and kept. You are also only permitted to keep male Dungeness crabs. Fishing for a female Dungeness crab is illegal. It is important to know the difference and to have a ruler handy to measure what you catch. If new to crabbing, a professional fishing charter should be able to guide you on how to follow state-specific regulations on catching crabs in Newport, Oregon. Regulations can sometimes change, so it is always best to rely on professionals who know their way around.

How to Go Crabbing

Luckily, crabbing can be done almost anywhere on the Oregon coast, including Newport. Your hired fishing charter can help you find the best locations for where you can go crabbing. Crabs prefer salty water, so they are more likely to be found farther out in the ocean. 

There are a number of ways to catch crabs, most usually involving some kind of trap. Whatever the method you choose, crabbing is not usually a hard endeavor, Most people can catch a handful of crab with just the most basic pieces of equipment that they can use as a trap. Aside from the pots and traps that you can use, some crabbing techniques include adding rocks or seaweed to your trap to more closely mimic a crab’s natural habitat. At Newport Oregon Fishing Charters, we can provide you with all the equipment you will need for a successful day of crab fishing. 

Benefits of Hiring a Fishing Charter

If you’re new to crabbing or new to fishing in Newport, we absolutely recommend that you hire a fishing charter. This is especially true if you plan to fish with a group or if you are planning a special day for a special someone. That’s because fishing charters offer something you won’t be able to get anywhere else: convenience.

Instead of hiring a boat, hiring the equipment you will need, and doing all the research necessary to find the best crabs and understand the state’s regulations, you’ll only need to do one thing when you hire a fishing charter. Fishing charters do all the for you so that you can just relax, fish, and enjoy Newport’s incredible marine diversity. Hiring Newport Oregon fishing charters means that you will get a boat and all the equipment for the day, as well as a dedicated guide.

Because of the complexity of the Dungeness crab, you will need someone who can help you find the best spots to fish and help you understand how it behaves and how you can fish for them. A guide can also help navigate the waters and bring you back to shore safely at the end of the tiring day.

How to Hire a Fishing Charter

Because crabbing is such a popular activity to do in Newport, it is important that you hire a crabbing fishing charter as soon as possible. At Newport Oregon Fishing Charters, we are happy to provide a number of packages for small and large groups looking for an unforgettable fishing experience. We provide the boat, equipment, and expert knowledge and leave the rest of the fun to you.

And if you can’t get enough of Newport fishing, you can also check out our dedicated fishing charters for salmon, halibut, bass, and lingcod! We offer fishing charters all year round with specific season availabilities depending on Oregon’s regulations on fishing seasons.