Long Beach, Washington, is known for it’s vast, sandy beaches, scenic vistas, and vibrant coastal activities. Among these, crabbing stands out as a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience. Whether you’re a seasoned crabber or a curious beginner, the Long Beach Peninsula offers an ideal location to try your hand at catching Dungeness and Red Rock crabs. This guide will take you through the essentials of crabbing in Long Beach, Washington, including what makes this spot unique, the best times to go, necessary equipment, regulations, and links to obtain crabbing permits.
Why Long Beach, Washington, is Ideal for Crabbing
Long Beach is situated along the southern coast of Washington, a region known for its thriving marine ecosystem. The Pacific Ocean and nearby estuaries provide an abundance of Dungeness and Red Rock crabs, making it a prime destination for recreational crabbing. The calm, shallow waters of Willapa Bay, located just east of the Long Beach Peninsula, also offer excellent conditions for crabbing. Willapa Bay is particularly noted for its rich biodiversity and abundance of shellfish, including crabs, making it a hotspot for recreational and commercial crabbers alike.
The beach’s long stretches of sand and accessible shorelines make crabbing here enjoyable and easy for people of all ages. Whether you’re crabbing from the shore, a pier, or a small boat, Long Beach offers multiple spots to drop your crab pots and enjoy a day by the water.
Best Times for Crabbing in Long Beach
Crabbing is a year-round activity in Washington state, but the best time to catch Dungeness crabs, the most popular species in the area, is typically in the fall and early winter months. From October through December, adult male crabs are in prime condition, making it an ideal time to catch large, meaty crabs.
While you can crab year-round, it’s important to know that different times of the year and tidal conditions can affect your success. Many experienced crabbers recommend crabbing during incoming tides, as crabs tend to be more active during this time. Checking local tide charts before your trip can help increase your chances of success.
Essential Crabbing Gear
To have a successful crabbing trip in Long Beach, you will need some basic equipment:
- Crab Pots or Rings: These are traps used to catch crabs. Crab pots are larger and tend to catch more crabs but can be left in the water for extended periods. Crab rings are smaller and require more frequent checking but are lighter and easier to handle.
- Bait: Crabs are attracted to strong-smelling bait. Fish heads, chicken parts, or turkey necks are popular bait options among local crabbers.
- Measuring Device: Washington State has strict regulations on crab size. You’ll need a crab gauge to measure the size of your catch and ensure you’re keeping only legal-sized crabs. Dungeness crabs must be at least 6 1/4 inches across the carapace (shell), measured in a straight line across the widest part of the shell.
- Bucket or Cooler: Once you’ve caught your crabs, you’ll need a bucket or cooler with seawater to keep them alive until you’re ready to transport them home.
- Crab Tongs or Gloves: Crabs can be feisty and have strong pincers, so having tongs or heavy-duty gloves will help you handle them safely.
Crabbing Regulations and Permitting
Before heading out, it’s crucial to understand the local crabbing regulations. Washington State has specific rules for crabbing, including size limits, daily catch limits, and restrictions on which crabs you can keep. These regulations are in place to ensure the sustainability of the crab population.
In Washington, you are required to purchase a Shellfish/Seaweed License before you can legally crab. This license allows you to catch a variety of shellfish, including crabs. There are several types of licenses available depending on whether you’re a resident or non-resident and how long you plan to stay. For instance, you can purchase an annual license or a one- to three-day license if you’re only visiting for a short time.
Here are a few key regulations to be aware of when crabbing in Long Beach:
- Dungeness Crabs: Only male Dungeness crabs are legal to keep, and they must meet the size requirement of at least 6 1/4 inches across the carapace.
- Daily Limit: You are allowed to keep up to five Dungeness crabs per day.
- Red Rock Crabs: You can keep both male and female Red Rock crabs, and there is no size limit. However, you can only keep a maximum of six Red Rock crabs per day.
For complete details on crabbing regulations, including season dates, limits, and closures, visit the WashingtonDepartment of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) Crabbing Regulations page.
Here are the URLs with their hyperlinks:
- WDFW Crabbing Regulations page
URL: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/crab - Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Licensing page
URL: https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov
To obtain your crabbing permit, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Licensing Page. You can purchase your license online or find a list of local retailers where licenses are available.
Safety and Sustainability Tips
When crabbing, it’s important to follow some basic safety and sustainability guidelines to protect yourself and the environment:
- Wear Life Jackets: If you’re crabbing from a boat, always wear a life jacket and ensure your boat is in good working condition.
- Check Weather Conditions: The weather along the Washington coast can change quickly, so be sure to check the forecast before heading out. It’s important to avoid crabbing in rough seas or high winds.
- Release Undersized Crabs: Washington law requires you to release undersized or female Dungeness crabs immediately back into the water. Be sure to handle them carefully to avoid injury to the crabs or yourself.
- Use Escape Cord: If you’re using crab pots, the WDFW requires the use of biodegradable cotton escape cords on all traps. This ensures that if your trap is lost, crabs can still escape, reducing the environmental impact of lost gear.
What to Expect When Crabbing in Long Beach
Crabbing in Long Beach is a relaxing and rewarding experience. Whether you’re crabbing from the shore at spots like the Port of Ilwaco or dropping pots from a boat in Willapa Bay, the anticipation of pulling up your trap and discovering a bounty of crabs is an exciting feeling. We would recommend Shake-N-Bake and Pacific Salmon Charters for your crabbing and fishing needs.
Local seafood markets, like Jessie’s Ilwaco Fish Company, provide the opportunity to pick up fresh seafood if your crabbing adventure isn’t as successful as you’d hoped. Some even offer cooking and cleaning services for your catch, allowing you to enjoy your crabs fresh from the sea with minimal effort.
Crabbing is also a family-friendly activity that teaches patience, marine biology, and sustainable harvesting practices, making it an excellent way to spend a day on the Washington coast.
Crabbing in Long Beach, Washington, is a coastal adventure that offers both relaxation and excitement. Whether you’re crabbing from the shore, a pier, or a boat in Willapa Bay, the region’s abundant crab population provides plenty of opportunities for a successful haul. Be sure to follow all regulations, obtain the necessary permits, and enjoy the process of catching your own delicious Dungeness or Red Rock crabs. For more information on crabbing permits and regulations, visit the WDFW Crabbing Regulations page and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Licensing page.