Tillamook Bay crabbing has been a source of family fun and delicious meals for decades, and it’s a tradition that shows no sign of fading away. Not only is the bay one of the premier crabbing spots in Oregon, but people from all over the country come here to catch their limit of these skittering crustaceans.
What to Expect
One of the reasons crabbing is so popular in Tillamook Bay is that it’s available all year. What’s more, you can go after Crabs both from a boat and from land, so your options are virtually limitless.
The star of the show is Dungeness Crab, which is as abundant as it is tasty. You’ll usually find this variety in the areas of the bay with a sandy bottom. Red Rock Crab is another favorite, but it’s more of a challenge to find them because they hide around rocky structures and pilings.
If you’re combining fishing and crabbing on your charter trip, the captain will drop the crabbing pots on your way to the fishing grounds and then pull them in on your way back to shore. Anglers who fish from local piers and docks usually use crabbing rings rather than pots.
You can also book a specialized crabbing trip and spend several hours going after these beauties. The best way to get their attention is to use fresh bait, and anything from herring and shad to chicken and turkey will do the trick.
Tillamook Bay Crabbing Tips
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You can get your limit of Crab year-round, but it’s on the slower side from February to the end of April. Locals say that the best time to go after Dungeness is during the months that end with “r” because that’s when the catches are bountiful and there are plenty of keepers.
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It’s optimal to go after your prey during slack water, while either high or low tide is at its peak and the Crabs come out to play. Setting the pots very early in the morning all but guarantees success.
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When it comes to the best spots, Crab Harbor is one of the renowned treasure troves in Tillamook Bay, especially if you’re going after them from a boat.
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Garibaldi has a public crabbing dock that earned its good name thanks to the big numbers of Dungeness Crab that call those waters home. This is the perfect place for coast crabbers.
What to Bring
The most important thing to think about before your crabbing trip is getting a shellfish license. You can buy it on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website or in a local tackle store. Bear in mind that you’re only allowed to keep male Crabs that are at least 5 ¾ inches wide across the back, everything else must go back into the water.
Your guide will usually provide all the necessary crabbing gear, you only need to dress warmly and bring plenty of food and drinks. If you’ve never experienced Tillamook Bay crabbing firsthand, this year is the time to make new traditions!