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Astoria Crabbing: 8 Hours of Coastal Fun

Ready for a day of hauling in Dungeness crab on the beautiful Oregon coast? Our 8-hour crabbing trip out of Astoria is the perfect way to get your hands wet and your crab pots full. Whether you're a seasoned crabber or it's your first time dropping a pot, you're in for a treat. We'll cruise the Columbia River estuary and nearby Pacific waters, giving you the best shot at bringing home a tasty haul of these prized crustaceans.

What's the Scoop?

Picture this: You're out on the water as the sun rises over the Pacific, the salty air filling your lungs as we motor out to prime crabbing grounds. Our 8-hour trip gives you plenty of time to set pots, let 'em soak, and pull up a bounty of Dungeness crab. With a limit of 12 crabs per license (just $10 a pop), you could be heading home with enough crab to feed the whole neighborhood. And the best part? We've got an on-site cooking service for just a buck per crab, so you can dig into your catch right at the dock if you can't wait to get home.

Crabbing 101

If you've never been crabbing before, don't sweat it. We'll show you the ropes, from baiting the pots to identifying keeper crabs. We use circular crab pots that we'll drop in promising spots throughout the day. While the pots are soaking, keep an eye out for local wildlife – you might spot seals, sea lions, or even a whale spout in the distance. When it's time to pull pots, get ready for some action. There's nothing quite like the anticipation as a full pot breaks the surface, loaded with scuttling crabs. We'll measure each one, keeping the legal-sized males and tossing back the females and youngsters to keep the population healthy.

Why Crabbers Keep Coming Back

Crabbing isn't just about the catch – it's about the experience. The camaraderie of working together to haul in pots, the thrill of finding a jumbo Dungeness, and the satisfaction of knowing exactly where your seafood came from. Our regulars tell us there's nothing quite like a day on the water, followed by a fresh crab feast with family and friends. Plus, Astoria's waters are known for producing some of the meatiest, sweetest Dungeness you'll find anywhere on the West Coast.

The Star of the Show: Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) is the crown jewel of Pacific Northwest seafood. These hardy crustaceans can grow up to 10 inches across and weigh over 2 pounds, though most keepers are in the 6-7 inch range. They're most active in the cooler months, making fall and winter prime time for crabbing. What makes Dungeness so special? It's all about that sweet, tender meat that's perfect for everything from simple steamed legs to decadent crab cakes. Fun fact: Dungeness crab can regenerate lost limbs, which is pretty handy considering the competitive underwater world they live in.

Time to Get Crabby

Ready to try your hand at hauling in the Pacific's tastiest treasure? Our 8-hour crabbing trip is the way to go. You'll get a full day on the water, expert guidance, and the chance to bring home a cooler full of fresh crab. And remember, with our on-site cooking service, you can be cracking claws and digging into that sweet meat before you even leave the dock. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to book your crabbing adventure. Give us a call or book online – we can't wait to show you why Astoria is the crab capital of the Oregon coast!