Orgeon Crabs

• 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.

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 also do their best to remove it from the trap.

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 they work as superior crab bait if you can.  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, 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.

You can also use other animal pieces in your crab traps.  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 or dog food to entice crabs.

Customer Service Hours …. noon – 10pm … Everyday … 541-765-2109

1113 N Hwy 101

Depoe Bay, Oregon 97341