Well now, if you ever find yourself wanderin’ around the Hood Canal, you better be ready for some real fun – especially if you’re lookin’ to go crabbing. I’ve been hearin’ lots of folks talk about this place, and I reckon I’d best tell ya what I know about it. Now, crabbing on Hood Canal, that’s a whole other thing compared to the rest of the coast. Folks come from near and far just to dip their pots in them waters. But let me tell ya, there’s a lot more to it than just tossin’ a trap and hopin’ for a good catch.
You see, Hood Canal ain’t always open for crabbing. No sir, not all year round. There’s times when they close it up, especially in the winter months, from September to November. That’s ‘cause they wanna make sure they don’t catch too many soft-shell crabs. You know, them crabs that’s still growin’ and ain’t ready to be eatin’. The folks over at the Department of Fish and Wildlife, they set these rules so we don’t end up with a shortage down the road. Now, if you’re crabbing out on Hood Canal, you gotta know when it’s open and when it’s closed, or you could be fined something fierce!
What’s the best time for crabbing on Hood Canal?
Well, if you ask me, the best time to go crabbing is in the summer, June through August. That’s when them crabs are runnin’ real good, and you’ll find all sorts of blues and reds. Now, in them warmer months, you can expect the crabs to be plenty full, and the water’s nice and calm. It makes the crabbing a little easier, seein’ as the crabs are hungry and will bite just about anything that smells good. But that don’t mean you can’t catch ‘em in the off months, no sir. Just be mindful of them rules, and you’ll be alright.
Where to go crabbing?
If you’re askin’ where to throw your pots, let me tell ya, there’s plenty of spots along the canal. Now, I’ve heard tell of folks havin’ good luck near Dabob Bay, up by Hoodsport. The water’s clear and calm there, and it’s perfect for settn’ out a trap. If you’re not too picky, you can just head out to any ol’ pier around the area, and there’s bound to be a few crabs lurkin’ ‘round. Just make sure to check your traps every so often, ‘cause crabs are quicker than ya think, and if you ain’t careful, they’ll escape before you even get a good look at ‘em!
How to catch crabs on Hood Canal?
Now, if you’re new to crabbing, don’t you worry none. It ain’t all that complicated once you get the hang of it. The first thing ya need is a good crab pot. I’ve seen folks use all sorts of things, but the good ol’ traditional crab pot works just fine. You drop that pot in the water, and you wanna make sure it’s got some bait in it. Chicken necks work real well, or you can even use fish carcasses if you got ’em. You drop your pot, wait a little while, then check back in a couple of hours. Don’t be too quick to pull it up, though! Give them crabs time to find it.
Another thing you gotta remember is the rules about how many crabs you can catch. I’ve heard tell of folks tryin’ to sneak a few extra crabs in their bucket, but let me tell ya, that’ll get ya in trouble real quick. There’s limits on how many crabs you can keep, and you gotta throw the females back, along with any undersized crabs. If you ain’t sure, best to err on the side of caution and let ‘em go. You’ll sleep easier at night knowing you’re followin’ the rules.
What kind of crabs can you catch?
Now, you’re wonderin’ what kind of crabs you’re likely to catch, right? Well, on Hood Canal, you’ll mostly find Dungeness crabs, and those are mighty tasty! They got a sweet, tender meat, and they’re big enough to fill a pot. But don’t forget about the other crabs like Red Rock crabs and even a few blues from time to time. You’ll need to check your catch to make sure they’re the right size, and that they’re the right kind. Some crabs are protected, and it’s best to know your stuff before you go trappin’!
What else to consider?
Another thing to consider is the rules for crabbing season. Like I said earlier, they close off some areas in the wintertime to protect the crabs, and it’s best to stay informed. You don’t wanna get caught with your pants down, so always check with the local authorities before you go crabbing. They’ll let ya know what’s open, what’s closed, and what you need to be aware of. You can also ask around and find out where the best crabbing spots are, especially if you’re new to the area.
In the end, crabbing on Hood Canal can be a real treat if you know when to go and how to do it. With a little patience and some know-how, you’ll be pullin’ up crabs by the bucketful. And nothing beats a fresh Dungeness crab dinner right off the water. So, gather up your gear, check the rules, and get yourself out there – the crabs are waitin’!
Tags：[Hood Canal crabbing, crabbing tips, Dungeness crabs, Washington crabbing, Hood Canal fishing, crab season, crabbing spots, recreational crabbing]
