Can you go crabbing in Bodega Bay?

Yes! You can catch crab from the shore, pier, or a boat in Bodega Bay. You can keep up to ten Dungeness crabs per day during the season, but they must measure a minimum of 5¾ inches across the shell.

Do I need a license to crab in Bodega Bay?

If crabbing from a public pier, you don’t need a sport fishing license to set a trap or net (read all about it in the state’s Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations [pages 51-52]). You can keep up to 10 Dungeness crabs per day during the season, but they must measure a minimum of 5-3/4 inches across the shell.

Is crab season Open in Bodega Bay?

Crab season traditionally runs from early November through late June, though prime season is in the winter months. Christmas crab for everyone! Crabbing is the main fishing industry of Bodega Bay, yet it arrives daily only in limited quantities as the ocean allows, and is locally sold only fresh, not frozen.

Where can I catch crabs in Bodega Bay?

You can catch Crabs from piers, jetties, and rocky shorelines, or in a boat. The jetty at the north end of Bodega Bay is one of the best spots for crabbing. Nets and snares are both effective, depending on conditions.

What can you catch at Bodega Bay?

Bodega Bay and the surrounding waters offer some of the best fishing in Northern California. And, yes, charters are readily available. Depending on the time of year, boats go out for salmon, rockfish, ling cod, sharks, albacore tuna, Humboldt squid, halibut, crab and trout.

What kind of crabs are in Bodega Bay?

Crab Species Found in Bodega Bay The most common crabs in the area are Dungeness crabs, slender crabs, rock crabs, red crabs and yellow crabs. Dungeness are the most desirable species for eating as they yield more meat per crab than most other species, and the meat is firm with a delicate, slightly sweet flavor.

What is the best time for crabbing?

Expert Crabbers say that the best time to go crabbing is during slack tide. Slack tide usually starts 2 hours before high tide and lasts up until around 2 hours after. This is when the water moves the most, which makes sure you bring in the most crabs possible.

Is it legal to keep female Dungeness crab?

Answer: Recreational fisherman may keep the female Dungeness crab – commercial fishermen must throw them back. Since the females are often so much smaller and less meaty than the males, many fishermen toss them back so they can reproduce more young for future generations.

Do you need a fishing license in Bodega Bay?

If you plan on fishing from a public pier, you do not need to buy a license. Many species are open to harvest year-round for shore anglers. Bodega Bay fishing charters do not include fishing licenses. Anyone in your group age 16 and older must buy a CA state fishing license ahead of time.

How do you catch fish in Bodega Bay?

Trolling and mooching are the most productive fishing techniques, while anchovies and sardines work best to get Chinook to bite. Thanks to their delicious meat and strength, Chinook Salmon could easily be the best fish to catch when fishing in Bodega Bay.

Is there a season for crab?

The primary season for all crab species is October to January when they are often at their largest and populations are highest after spawning. Some regions even stretch crabbing season into July.

What is the best bait for crabbing?

12 Best Crab Bait

  1. Crab Attractant. Crab attractants are usually made from natural fish oil and other baits.
  2. Chicken Necks and Other Parts. Chicken necks are the best bait to catch blue crabs.
  3. Razor Clams.
  4. Anchovies/Small Fish.
  5. Mink Carcasses.
  6. Turkey Necks.
  7. Squid.
  8. Salmon Head.