Crabbing with Mike
When and time to go crabbing
Mike crabs at Winchester Bay. Smaller estuaries and those with more fresh water influence may be good during the late summer through the early winter. Fall is typically the best time to crab.
CLICK HERE to check the latest Crab action at Winchester Bay
Beginning in September, crabs will tend to be more “filled out,” meaning there is a higher percentage of quality meat. You can tell meat quality by the condition of the shell. Hard-shelled crabs will contain 15-25 percent meat by weight, compared to soft-shelled crabs, which can be as low as 12 percent meat. After heavy rainfall and resulting freshets, crabs tend to be less abundant in the bays.
“Slack water” (the times of peak high or low tide) are the best times to crab. During swift tidal exchanges, crabs often bury themselves, but at slack water, more crabs walk around foraging since they are less affected by tidal currents.
365 day Season
Crabbing is open in estuaries (i.e., bays), beaches, tide pools, piers, and jetties year-round.
Bait
Many different types of meat are used for crab baits: turkey, chicken, mink, fish carcass, shad, herring, clams, etc… But whatever you use, fresh bait is best.. Keep in mind that seals and sea lions will eat any attractive bait that they can get — including bait laying out on a crab ring. You can avoid this problem by using chicken, as seals do not like chicken, but crabs do like it..
Setting your gear and soak time
The secret to our traps is the fact. The crabs can access the bait without restrictions, such as bait bags or gates. The Crab bait is open and accessible for the crabs to eat. This means the crabs will be eating your bait fast. Therefore, with our traps, you have to. Pull in the Trap quite often—every five to six minutes, the crabs will have all the chicken legs.
This is true. Whether you are using the Original Traingle Max or the Round Crab Max, they all work the same.
The difference is in the netting area. Both traps are 24″ on the base, but the Round Crab Max has 50% more catching area because it is round and not a triangle.
Picture of the Crab Max. Triangle Original and the Round Crab Max
Original Triangle Crab Max
The Original Triangle Crab Max with 100 ft black Hand-Line … free shipping
Area of square = width X height …. Crab Max when folded out make square width = 17 …height =17 …… 17x 17 = 289 sq inches crab catching area
Original Triangle Crab Max w… free shipping via Mike
Original Traingle Crab Max no and-Line order handline below
$70.00
The Round Crab Max, when opened, makes a circle, not a square. This increases the Crab Netting area by more than 50% just by changing the shape of the netting.
You do the Math
Area of circle = radius X radius X 3,1417 …. Round Crab Max, when folded out, makes a circle with a radius of 12 ….12 X 12 X 3.1417 = 452 sq inches
Area of square = width X height …. Original Triangle Crab Max when folded out make square width = 17 …height =17…… 17 x 17 = 289 sq inches
Circle Area minus Square Area (452-289)=163 inches increase and 163/289 = 56% more than a 50% increase
Both are built on a 24-inch axle; the netting is different, and the Round Crab Max is Stronger.
Stronger Stainless Steel
The Round Crab Max uses .125 Stainless Steel instead of .091 steel used in the Original Triangle Crab Max. The .125 enables the Round Crab Trapper to be a circle instead of a triangle.
- Black Hand-Line to Fishing Snap Breaking Strength increased to 300 lbs instead of White Hand-Line Breaking Strength of 100 lbs.
- The Breaking Strength from the Fishing Snap to Swivel increased to 220 lbs.
- The Breaking Strength from Swivel to Trap has been increased to 500 lbs.
Round Crab Max Trap Holder
When Any spring-loaded trap is not in use, it springs open. The Crab Max 3.0 has a small holder that can be used to hold the trap together whenever the trap is not in use, making it easier to carry.
Single Round Crab Max Special
One Round Crab Max© free Shipping via Mike
no handline order hand line below
$67.00
Special three (3) Round Crab Max plus Three (3) 100ft Black Hand-line, including shipping via mike
Three (3) Round Crab Maxx three (3) Black Hand-Line i nclude shipping.
$160.00
Crab Trapper Vertical Quick Load Bait Bag Trap and the Big Bag Trap are coming soon
- The Vertical Quick Load Bait Bqg or the Big Bag design makes putting the bait in the trap easier. No slide down the chicken spike; just drop the bait into the bag.
- If you put the sponge with Crab Attractant in the freezer the night before crabbing and then in the Smell Bag before crabbing, More crab will come quickly.
Smell Bag Bag .. The trap lures crabs with the smell of the bait, and after 5-6 minutes, the Trap is pulled in, and there are more Crabs caught than regular traps.
According to the experts, Crab finds food and appeals to their sense of smell. Crabs rely on their sense of smell to find prey. Crabs have chemoreceptors that allow them to detect chemicals in the water that are released by their prey. These chemoreceptors are located on a crab’s antennae. These are long, segmented appendages near the Crab’s eyes that have both chemoreceptors and allow them to feel their surroundings.
Crab Attractant is an oil. The oil is quite attractive to crabs. It also contains unique amino acids that give it unparalleled versatility in going after all kinds of other species. It is a commercial product you can buy, but it’s made of natural ingredients like anise oil, fish oil, amino acids, and salmon egg juice. Soak the provided sponge with this add-on oil for about three hours before using it. We use ProCure as a Crab Attraction
To see independent opinions of Crab Attract, go to youtube.com
Hand-Line Options
Strongest Hand-line – Most tangle … questions 541-765-2109 or email nextday@vol.com
White (90 ft) Tensile* Strength of 420 lbs. If you get tap caught on something, you can pull harder before the line breaks … fewer lost traps. Easier on the hands when not wearing gloves, but it will tangle if put into a pile. It works well if you spread it over a wide area. However, if you pile it in one place, it will tangle more than the Hard Line.
$10.00
One (1)Black String and holder Less Trangle … questions 541-765-2109 or email nextday@vol.com
“Tensile* Strength of 350. This means if you get trap-captured on something, you cannot pull as hard as the soft Had-Line before the line breaks.
$12.00
Lowest Strength and lowest tangle … questions 541-765-2109 or email nextday@vol.com
White 90 FT… “Tensile* Strength of 200. This means if you get trap caught on something, you cannot pull as hard as the soft Had-Line before the line breaks … You can have more lost traps. Rough on the hands if not wearing gloves. The original Crab Max came with a Hard hand-line.
$15.00
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To see the results of Daily Oregon Coast Crabbing Reports from the shore using the Crab Trappers …. CLICK HERE
Crab MiniMax …… Crabs Trap with Snares ……. NOT AVAILABLE YET, Call 541-765-2109 for release date
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A crab snares are placed outside of the normal Crab Trapper. The smell in the Crab Trapper bait lures crabs, but the do not entry the trap.
After 5 -6 minutes, the crabber pulls in the trap. The snare loops will close around any claws of any crabs outside the regular trap will be snared. Any unfortunate crab outside the trap but in the snares is caught. If you’re fast enough and keep enough pressure on the line, the crab will not have to hurry away
Shipping & Handling Options …. Free Pickup in Lincoln City, Oregon
UPS Shipping … questions 541-765-2109 or email nextday@vol.com
1 to 3 Traps same price … $ 30 UPS Ground with a tracking number if shipped In Oregon, Washington, or Idaho, including $10 for boxing and delivery to UPS
$40.00
We post the results of the day-to-day Crabbing when we are informed. We only posted the date, the first name only, city, # caught, and where caught on our private Facebook page. Join us and post your results or post them in the comments below. . CLICK HERE. …….. to Join, post, or see the current Crabbing activity on the Oregon Coast.
Videos of Crabbing
Eclipse Crabbing in yaquina Bay… with Bill Lackner…
Crabbing in Siletz Bay with a Crab Max complete video
Crabbing in Yaquina Bay 1 with Bill Lackner
Crabbing At The Port Dock In Alsea Bay
Crabbing in Yaquina 2 with Bill Lackner
Crabbing is Hot in Yaquina Bay with Bill Lackner
Crabbing Adventure on the Siletz
Crabbing in Yaquina Bay 3Crabbing in Yaquina Bay on 09/2017 with my son Scott.
Crab Limits From Siletz Bay
FISHING and CRABBING ALONG THE ROCKY REEFS at SEAL ROCK 2
CLICK HERE to see information on Crabbing in all of Oregon Bays.
- All the information necessary to take Dungeness and red rock crabs from Oregon’s Coastal Waters.
- Stimulates the interest of young crabbers in the complexity and diversity of the crabs common to the Pacific Northwest.
- Evaluates the methods used to take Dungeness and red rock crabs.
- Updated maps of Oregon’s Bays that disclose the areas of Oregon’s Bays where crabs are commonly caught.
- Recover a higher percentage of crab meat per crab using the same method used by professional Crab Shakers.
- Family Crab Louis recipes that your family will love. Our recipes emphasize using cooking methods that enhance the naturally sweet flavor of crab meat to its full potential.
- Updated maps of Oregon’s Bays that disclose the areas of Oregon’s Bays where crabs are commonly caught.
Oregon’s Crabs: The 116 page book
Oregon’s Crabs provides all the information to successfully take crabs in Oregon’s coastal waters.Personalize Oregon’s Crabs. Including shipping and handling.
$25.00
Bait Bag
Dead fish may not seem appealing to you, but crabs love them. We said earlier that fresh is best, but dead fish is one area where you can make the exception. Fish are pretty fragrant, to begin with, and once they start to rot, their stink will be even more noticeable. You can use any rotten fish. Often, bait shops or fish markets will give them away. They’re cheap and readily available, too. You can use fresh or frozen fish, but the benefit of frozen fish is that it will break down more slowly than fresh fish, giving you more time between checking traps.
Some options include tuna and mackerel. When baiting with tuna, some people even punch holes in a tuna can, then lower the can into the trap before placing the trap in the water. Fish are quite attractive to other animals, including seals. Seals will not only steal your bait, but they’ll also do their best to remove the bait from the trap, too.
Crab Baits not to use
Clams
Clams are crab favorites. These are part of a crab’s natural diet, so you shouldn’t have to do much hard work to convince the crabs to take a bite. Plus, they are legal to use in most areas. However, it is essential to note that clams might not be as effective if you are crabbing in an area with a large population of these creatures already. The crabs might be bored by this additional offering.
Mink Carcasses
Mink carcasses can be tough to get your hands on in some areas, but if you can, they work as superior crab bait. Why? They’re super stinky. Commonly used in commercial crabbing operations in Oregon, mink is stinky, oily, and incredibly versatile. The oil will stay on your hands for a while, so you might want to wear gloves.
Any Meat or Animal Parts
If you don’t want to spend all your money purchasing meat, consider using readily available meat. Discarded organ meat from butcher shops is a good alternative.
There are other animal pieces you can use in your crab traps, too. You can also use a roadkill. The benefit of roadkill is that it is easy to come by just about anywhere you might live. It also gives off an incredibly powerful odor. Choose options like raccoon, squirrel, rabbit, or other animal carcasses for the best results.
Other Human Foods
You can attach old bacon, bits of cheese, hot dogs, or even some bread to your crab trap. But remember – the stinkier, the better, and oilier foods tend to work best, too. The benefit of using human foods is that they tend to be much less stinky (and therefore easier to handle) than rotting meat. Some people even use unique household items like cat food or dog food to entice crabs.
Customer Service Hours …. noon – 10pm … Everyday … 541-765-2109
1113 N Hwy 101
Depoe Bay, Oregon 97341
Information
This entry was posted on January 30, 2023 by Kayak Rentals & Sustainable Living.
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82 Siletz Hwy Lincoln City OR 97367
From a boat:
- Remember to set your crab gear outside of navigational channels.
- Set pots far enough apart so that you aren’t competing with your own gear.
- Try to allow 30-60 minutes before retrieving your gear if you are crabbing with pots and 10-15 minutes if you are crabbing with rings.
From a dock:
- Tie the end of your crab line to the dock or pier from where you are crabbing.
- Throw your crab pot or ring in the water to start crabbing.
- Try to allow 30-60 minutes before retrieving your gear if you are crabbing with crab pots and 10-15 minutes if you are crabbing with rings.
Retrieving your gear
From a boat:
- Locate your buoy and approach slowly along the side of the boat.
- Grab the crab line just below the buoy with your hand or a gaff.
- A “crab davit” makes retrieval much easier on your back.
- When using crab rings, be sure to pull quickly at first to get the ring into a basket shape so you don’t lose the crab.
From a dock:
- Grab your crab line below where you have attached it to the dock or pier and pull your crab ring or pot to the surface.
- If you’re using crab rings, remember to retrieve at a consistent speed in order to keep the sides of the ring over the crabs to avoid losing any.
Sorting crab
Quickly sort through crab, being careful to not break crab legs or get your fingers pinched.
- Be extra cautious when reaching into a pot or ring full of crab. Handle the crab from the rear with a thumb on the underside or by grasping the rear legs.
- Be sure to carefully and quickly release unwanted crab; do not drop them from high docks or piers, as this may crack their shell and kill them.
- Keep only male Dungeness crab (see the difference here)
- Once harvested, European green crab may not be returned to the water.
Measuring crab
- Measure all male crab with a crab gauge. Legal Dungeness crab must be male and at least 5 ¾ inches across the back (NOT including the spines) or wider.
- When measuring make sure you measure in a straight line across the back immediately in front of, but NOT including the last points.
- Measurement points
Keeping crab quality
- Store legal-size “keeper” crabs in a cooler with ice or ice packs, or in a bucket or cooler with water.
- If you keep your crabs in a bucket or cooler with water, make sure to change the water frequently to keep the water cool and ensure they don’t run out of oxygen in the water.
- Releasing “soft shell” crab is strongly recommended. Soft shelled crab are newly molted and are essentially a small crab in a big crab’s body. Meat pick out can be very low (as little as half that of a crab in good condition) and the quality of the meat is usually stringy and not as delicious.
Commonly caught crab species
Dungeness crab
About: Adult Dungeness crab forage on a number of fish and invertebrate species. They are relatively short lived crustaceans with a maximum life expectancy of about 10 years. Every spring, female Dungeness molt, which attracts male crabs to both mate with and protect them while their shells are soft. Males molt in the late summer. Since the males do not have a protector while their shells are soft, they generally bury themselves in the sand, making them more difficult to attract to crab pots.
Habitat: They can be found throughout the sandy and muddy areas in the shallowest parts of lower estuaries all the way to ocean depths of 2,000 feet.
Best identification characters:
- White tipped claws
- Ten carapace spines (widest at 10th)
- Color reddish-brown to purple
Red rock crab
About: People often mistakenly think that red rock crabs are non-native but red rock crabs are in fact a native species found in the fossil record, as well as in Native American middens. They are an important component of Oregon estuaries and nearshore areas, and even help estuary ecosystems by eating invasive species such as green crab.
Habitat: As the name implies, red rock crab prefer the harder substrate habitats such as rocks, pilings and other structure. Red rock crab prefer higher salinities than Dungeness crab and therefore are usually found in larger estuaries, close to the ocean. They are most common in Tillamook, Yaquina and Coos bays where there is plentiful rocky substrates.
Best identification characters:
- Black tipped claws
- Wide “fan” shaped carapace
- Color typically a deep brick red
A similar relative: The Pacific rock crab inhabits similar habitats as the red rock crab, however is more often found in the nearshore ocean. Occasionally, these crab are caught in the bay. They are easily discerned from red rock crab by their spotted undersides, brown/ purple color, and hairier legs. Its species name “antennarius” is Latin meaning “antennae,” referring to the noticeable longer antennae when compared to other cancer crabs.
82 Siletz Hwy Lincoln City OR 97367
Living Center Oregon 
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