Private Offshore Crabbing SOA Charters Winchester

Private Dungeness Crab Charter - Winchester Bay

Nothing beats the satisfaction of pulling up crab pots loaded with fresh Dungeness crab, and that's exactly what you'll get on this private 2-hour charter out of Winchester Bay. SOA Charters takes up to six guests across the notorious Umpqua River Bar into prime crabbing waters where the Pacific Ocean delivers some of Oregon's best seafood. You'll work the pots alongside our experienced crew, watch sea lions putting on a show from nearby buoys, and head home with up to 12 crabs per person – enough for a serious feast that'll have your neighbors asking where you scored such amazing seafood.

What to Expect on the Water

Your adventure starts at Winchester Bay, one of the Oregon coast's top-rated launching points for serious crabbing. We'll cruise out across the Umpqua River Bar, which can get a bit bouncy depending on conditions, but that's part of the authentic coastal experience. Once we reach the crab grounds, you'll get hands-on with pulling pots – no standing around watching here. The crew will show you the ropes if you're new to crabbing, and seasoned crabbers will appreciate our knowledge of the best spots and timing. Between pot pulls, keep your eyes peeled for the local sea lion population that loves to lounge on the navigation buoys. They're curious about what we're doing and often provide entertainment while we work. The whole experience feels like you're part of a working boat operation, not just along for the ride.

Pot Pulling & Crab Techniques

We use traditional crab pots baited with the good stuff – usually fish carcasses or chicken that really gets the Dungeness crabs fired up. The pots sit on sandy and muddy bottoms where these crabs love to hang out, typically in 40 to 120 feet of water depending on the season and conditions. When it's time to pull, you'll feel the weight of the pot as it comes up – sometimes light as a feather, sometimes heavy with crabs. Learning to measure keepers is part of the fun. Male Dungeness crabs need to be at least 53⁄4 inches across the shell to take home, and we'll show you how to use the measuring tool and tell males from females. Females always go back, no matter the size. The limit of 12 crabs per person is generous, and on good days, you'll hit that number and have to start being picky about keeping only the biggest ones. We typically pull 6-8 pots during the trip, giving everyone plenty of chances to work the gear.

Top Catches This Season

Dungeness crab are the stars of this show, and Winchester Bay consistently produces some of the Oregon coast's best specimens. These crabs are true Pacific Northwest legends – they can grow up to 10 inches across and weigh over 2 pounds, though most keepers run 6-8 inches. What makes Dungeness crab special is their sweet, delicate meat that's way better than anything you'll find shipped to a grocery store. They're most active during cooler months, typically from December through August, with peak season running December through March when they're full of meat and easier to find. The Umpqua Bay system creates perfect habitat with its mix of sandy bottoms, rocky structure, and tidal flow that brings in the food these crabs love. During molting season in late summer, they can be harder to find as they hide out until their new shells harden up. What guests love most is how these crabs fight – they'll grab onto the pot with those powerful claws and you can feel them holding on as you pull. Plus, there's nothing like cracking into a fresh Dungeness crab that was crawling around on the ocean floor just hours earlier.

Time to Book Your Spot

This private charter gives you and your group the full crabbing experience without dealing with crowded party boats or rushed timelines. With a generous 12-crab limit per person, you're looking at potentially 72 crabs for a full group – that's enough for multiple crab feeds and some to share with friends who'll be jealous they missed out. The 2-hour timeframe is perfect for working the grounds without wearing everyone out, and being private means we can adjust based on how the crabbing is going and what your group wants to do. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Winchester Bay offers easy access to prime crabbing grounds, experienced local knowledge, and the chance to bring home some of the Pacific's best seafood. Whether you're celebrating something special or just want to try your hand at one of Oregon's most rewarding activities, this charter delivers the real deal.