Oregon Coast Crabbing: Expert-Guided River Trip

Oregon Coast Crabbing: Haul in Fresh Dungeness

Ready for a laid-back day on the water with a delicious payoff? DG Columbia Adventures' guided crabbing trip along the Oregon Coast is the perfect way to snag some of the tastiest seafood around while soaking in gorgeous coastal views. Whether you're a seasoned crabber or it's your first time dropping a pot, this trip is all about having fun and bringing home the freshest catch possible. We'll set you up with everything you need to land those prized Dungeness crabs, and our friendly guides are there every step of the way to make sure you have a great time out on the river.

Crabbing 101: What to Expect

This isn't your average fishing trip - crabbing is its own unique experience that's perfect for folks of all ages. We'll cruise out on a comfy boat, find the sweet spots where those Dungeness are hiding, and show you how to bait and drop the crab pots. Then comes the fun part: hauling them back up to see what you've caught! Our guides know all the local hotspots and will share tips on how to maximize your haul. Don't worry if you've never done this before - we'll walk you through everything from handling the gear to telling which crabs are keepers. It's a super chill day on the water, but there's always that rush of excitement when you pull up a pot full of tasty crustaceans.

Crabbing Gear & Techniques

We've got all the gear you'll need for a successful day of crabbing, so you just need to show up ready for some fun. We use sturdy crab pots baited with fresh fish - the scent drives those Dungeness crazy. You'll learn how to safely lower the pots over the side of the boat and secure the line. Then it's all about patience (and enjoying the scenery) while we wait for the crabs to find their way in. After about 20-30 minutes, it's time for the big reveal as we haul the pots back up. Our guides will show you how to handle the crabs safely, measure them to make sure they're legal size, and tell males from females (only the boys can be kept). By the end of the trip, you'll be a pro at sorting your catch and might even pick up some tips for cooking these ocean delicacies when you get home.

The Star of the Show: Dungeness Crab

Let's talk about why Dungeness crab is such a big deal here on the Oregon Coast. These tasty crustaceans are prized for their sweet, tender meat that's absolutely delicious whether you're cracking into it right after cooking or using it in your favorite recipes. Dungeness can grow up to about 10 inches across the shell and weigh over 2 pounds - that's a lot of good eating from one crab! They're most active in the cooler months, making fall and winter prime time for crabbing, but you can often find them year-round in our waters. What makes Dungeness so exciting to catch is not just their size, but how wily they can be. Sometimes you'll pull up a pot full of them, and other times they seem to have outsmarted us completely. That's all part of the fun, though - you never know what you're going to get until that pot breaks the surface.

Why Folks Keep Coming Back

There's something special about crabbing that keeps people coming back season after season. Maybe it's the laid-back vibe of being out on the water, chatting with friends and family while you wait for the pots to fill up. Or it could be the thrill of hauling up a pot heavy with Dungeness, knowing you're in for an amazing seafood feast later. Our guests often tell us how much they love learning about the local marine ecosystem and picking up new skills they can use on future trips. Kids especially get a kick out of handling the crabs (with supervision, of course) and seeing all the other critters that sometimes end up in the pots. And let's be honest - there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of bringing home dinner that you caught yourself. It's the kind of experience that creates lasting memories and gets passed down through generations.

Booking Your Crabbing Adventure

If you're itching to get out on the water and try your hand at hauling in some of Oregon's famous Dungeness crab, now's the time to lock in your spot. Our guided crabbing trips are a customer favorite and tend to fill up fast, especially during peak season. Remember, we provide all the gear and know-how - you just need to bring your sense of adventure (and maybe an empty cooler for your catch). It's a fantastic way to spend a day with family, friends, or even as a unique team-building activity. Plus, you get the bonus of potentially bringing home some of the freshest seafood you'll ever taste. So why wait? Give us a call or hop online to book your crabbing trip with DG Columbia Adventures. We can't wait to show you why crabbing on the Oregon Coast is an experience you won't soon forget!