Expert-Guided Crabbing Charters in Winchester Bay

Catch Your Own Dungeness Crab in Winchester Bay

Get ready for a hands-on crabbing adventure on the beautiful Oregon coast! This 2-hour shared charter trip out of Winchester Bay lets you pull up crab pots from the Pacific and take home your very own fresh catch. It's a fun, tasty way to experience a slice of Oregon's coastal culture, whether you're a seasoned crabber or trying it for the first time.

Trip Rundown

We'll head out from Winchester Bay Harbor, cruising past the iconic Umpqua River Lighthouse as we make our way to the crabbing grounds. The boat's equipped with everything you need - crab pots, bait, and measuring tools. Your guide will show you the ropes, from baiting the pots to properly handling and measuring your catch. You can pull up to 12 Dungeness crabs per person (following Oregon regulations), so there's a good chance you'll be heading home with dinner! The coastal scenery is stunning, and you might spot seals, sea lions, or even migrating whales while we're out there. This trip runs from December 1st to October 14th, hitting prime crabbing season.

Crabbing 101

Crabbing's all about patience and a bit of luck. We'll drop baited pots in promising spots, then give the crabs time to find their way in. After about 20-30 minutes, it's time for the fun part - hauling up the pots to see what we've caught! Your guide will demonstrate the right way to handle the crabs (watch those pinchers!) and how to measure them to make sure they're keepers. Males only, and they need to be at least 5 3/4 inches across the back. Don't worry if you're new to this - your guide's there to help every step of the way. And if you're an old pro? Feel free to share your own tips and tricks!

Happy Crabbers

"Very kind. Great time with kids!" - Brian

All About Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) is the star of the show here in Winchester Bay. These tasty crustaceans can grow up to 10 inches across and weigh over 2 pounds - that's a lot of sweet, tender meat! They're most active in cooler waters, which is why we see them closer to shore in winter and spring. Dungeness are known for their sweet, delicate flavor that's prized by seafood lovers. They're quick and clever, so catching them is always a bit of a challenge (and that's half the fun). The best part? There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of catching, cooking, and enjoying your own fresh crab.

Time to Get Crabby

Ready to try your hand at hauling in your own seafood feast? This 2-hour crabbing trip out of Winchester Bay is a great way to experience a slice of coastal Oregon life. At $100 per person, it's an affordable adventure that often pays for itself in fresh crab meat! Whether you're looking for a unique family outing, a fun day with friends, or just want to try something new, this trip's got you covered. Remember, space is limited to 12 guests, so don't wait to book your spot. Get ready to make some tasty memories on the Oregon coast!