Mason Blake
Puget Sound is a popular crabbing destination, with Dungeness crab being the most sought-after variety. Crabbing is a straightforward activity that does not require expensive equipment or a large boat. Crab pots are typically dropped in areas with sandy and gravelly bottoms, at depths of around 40' to 100', with the amount of line being greater than the depth. Tides and currents can impact the success of crabbing, with lighter tidal movements between 3' and 6' being more favourable. Crab pots should be weighted accordingly, especially in deeper waters, to prevent them from drifting away or sinking below the surface.
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What You'll Learn
- Puget Sound crabbing requires a license and a Dungeness crab Catch Record Card (CRC)
- Pots should be placed in areas with sandy and gravelly bottoms
- Pots should be weighted to avoid being swept away by strong currents
- Pots should be soaked for at least one to two hours
- Pots should be baited with chicken, fish, or razor clams
Puget Sound crabbing requires a license and a Dungeness crab Catch Record Card (CRC)
Crabbing in Puget Sound is a popular recreational activity, with Dungeness crab being one of the most sought-after bounties. To engage in crabbing in Puget Sound, there are specific requirements that must be met, including obtaining the necessary license and understanding the use of crab pots.
Firstly, it is essential to obtain a valid license for crabbing in Puget Sound. All recreational crabbers aged 15 and above are required to possess a current Washington fishing license. The type of license can vary depending on the duration of validity desired, ranging from a single day to an annual license. An annual shellfish/seaweed license or a combination fishing license are commonly chosen options. Additionally, crabbers of any age intending to fish for Dungeness crab in the Puget Sound crab management area must purchase a Puget Sound crab endorsement and acquire a Dungeness crab Catch Record Card (CRC).
The Dungeness crab Catch Record Card (CRC) is a crucial component of responsible crabbing in Puget Sound. Crabbers are mandated to record all Dungeness crab that they catch and retain on their CRC immediately, using ink. This record-keeping helps in managing the crab population and planning future crabbing seasons. Crabbers need to know the distinction between male and female crabs, as only male Dungeness crabs can be kept. Additionally, they should be aware of how to identify soft-shelled crabs, as these must be released to support the health of the crab population.
When crabbing in Puget Sound, it is important to consider the depth at which you set your pots. The depth will depend on the specific area you are crabbing in, and it is recommended to use charts to determine the appropriate depth for pot placement. Generally, the amount of line should be greater than the depth you are setting the pots. For instance, if you plan to drop pots in 40' to 50' of water, having 75' of line would suffice. It is also crucial to account for tidal changes, as the tide can rise by at least 10', so having extra line is advisable to prevent your pots from drifting away.
The use of crab pots in Puget Sound is a common method for catching Dungeness crab. Pots should be spaced at least 15 yards apart, and crabbers should be cautious not to place them in ferry or shipping lanes, obstruct marina entrances, or interfere with boat launches. The standard rope length for pots is typically 100 feet, resulting in pot placements between 75 and 90 feet deep. It is important to secure the pot properly by holding onto the rope until it reaches the bottom and goes slack. Additionally, attaching weights to the pot can help stabilize it during the soak.
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Pots should be placed in areas with sandy and gravelly bottoms
Crab pots should be placed in areas with sandy and gravelly bottoms because crustaceans tend to look for food on the seafloor. Pots placed on the seafloor are more likely to catch crabs. Sandy and gravelly bottoms are also usually found in shallower waters, which are easier to spot fish in and provide more room for crabs to hide. Sandy shores also tend to have more debris, which provides cover for crabs.
When crabbing in Puget Sound, it is important to be aware of the depth of the water. The depth of the water will determine how much line you will need for your crab pots. It is recommended to always have more line than the depth you are setting your pots at. For example, if you are dropping your pots in 40 to 50 feet of water, you should have 75 feet of line. This is because the tide can rise by at least 10 feet, and you want to avoid your pots drifting away or your buoys sinking below the surface. In Puget Sound, crabbers usually drop their pots in 40 to 100 feet of water, so having 120 feet of line is ideal.
The depth of the water is not the only factor to consider when crabbing in Puget Sound. Tides and currents can also impact your success. If you are crabbing in an area heavily impacted by tides, your chances of catching crabs are lower, and your pots may be swept away. Aim for areas with lighter tidal movements of 3 to 6 feet. Protected bays have less current, but you still need to ensure your pot weighs at least 10 pounds. If you are crabbing in areas with heavy currents, focus on short soaks around the tide change or use heavily weighted pots.
When crabbing in Puget Sound, it is also important to choose the right bait. Chicken thighs, drums, cat food, and salmon heads are all good options. Anything that is oily and stinky will work well. It is also important to space out your pots, with a minimum of 15 yards between them. Finally, always make sure to follow the local regulations for crabbing in Puget Sound, including licensing requirements and restrictions on where you can set your pots.
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Pots should be weighted to avoid being swept away by strong currents
Crab pots need to be weighted to avoid being swept away by strong currents. Crab pots are usually made of solid steel, as hollow tubes would rust away faster in the ocean environment. Pots are weighted to help them stay in place on the seafloor, and to prevent them from being moved around by heavy currents. The weight of the pot depends on its size, with the smallest pots weighing around 700 pounds, and larger pots weighing almost 1,000 pounds.
When setting crab pots, it is important to consider the depth of the water and the strength of the currents. Pots should be weighted enough to hold the bottom and withstand the currents in the area. Crabbers should also allow for tide height variation and use lines of the correct length. In areas with extreme currents, it is recommended to add five to ten pounds of weight to lighter traps to prevent them from being swept away. Crabbers should also avoid setting traps in areas with heavy boat or barge traffic, as this can increase the risk of losing traps.
There are several methods for weighting crab pots to avoid them being swept away. One method is to use concrete blocks, which can be attached to the pot line to add weight and keep the pot in place. Another method is to use lead weights, such as lead bars or solid core lead wire, which can be wrapped around the doors of the pot to keep them shut even in strong currents. Crabbers can also use sinkers or railroad spikes in the bottom corners of the pot to add weight and stability. It is important to use enough weight to keep the pot in place, but not so much that it becomes difficult to handle or retrieve.
In addition to weighting the pots, crabbers can also use buoys to mark their location and prevent loss. Buoys should be visible on the surface and marked with the fisher's full name and address. Using extra buoys in extreme currents can also help to keep pots from being swept away. Properly weighting crab pots and taking these additional measures can help crabbers avoid losing their traps and maximize their catch.
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Pots should be soaked for at least one to two hours
Crabbing in the Puget Sound is a popular activity, with Dungeness Crab being the prized catch. Pots should be soaked for at least one to two hours, and there are several reasons for this. Firstly, it is important to understand that tides in the Puget Sound can vary. If you are dropping your pots in an area heavily impacted by tides, with a large water height movement between high and low tide, your pots may be swept away by strong currents. Therefore, allowing for a soak time of at least an hour can increase the chances of a catch without risking losing your pots.
The depth of the water in the Puget Sound can vary from 20 to over 100 feet, and the best depth to drop crab pots is generally between 50 and 100 feet. Soaking pots for one to two hours at these depths gives the bait time to attract crabs. The first hour is critical, as this is when the bait is freshest and most attractive to crabs. If you are crabbing in deeper waters beyond 100 feet, you will need a line management system to effectively soak your pots and avoid losing them.
It is worth noting that the tide can rise by at least 10 feet, so it is essential to have extra line to prevent your pots from drifting away or your buoys from sinking below the surface. Having a longer line than the depth you are setting your pots is always advisable. For example, if you are crabbing in 40 to 50 feet of water, 75 feet of line will suffice. However, if you plan to crab in varying depths, consider having 120 feet of line.
Soaking pots for one to two hours is a productive strategy, and if you haven't reached your limit, you can always drop them again. This approach ensures compliance with regulations, as it is not legal to leave your pots in the water overnight in some areas. By following these guidelines, you can maximise your chances of a successful crabbing experience in the Puget Sound.
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Pots should be baited with chicken, fish, or razor clams
Crabbing in Puget Sound is a popular pastime, with Dungeness crab being one of the most sought-after bounties. The sweet meat of these crabs is a delicacy, and their populations in Puget Sound are cyclical, so it's important to be prepared with the right bait to make the most of the good years. Pots should be baited with chicken, fish, or razor clams—here's why.
Chicken is an excellent bait choice for crabbing in Puget Sound. It is readily available and can be prepared in various ways to attract crabs. Chicken thighs or drumsticks can be soaked in a crab and shrimp attractant sauce or bloody tuna oil to enhance their appeal. Using a bait cage or barrel can also help to store chicken hard baits and make it more challenging for crabs to access, keeping them feeding in your pot for longer.
Fish is another effective bait option for crabbing in Puget Sound. Salmon, in particular, is a popular choice, with salmon flesh being more attractive to crabs than salmon carcasses or heads. Crabbers can use a variety of salmon parts, including carcasses, to create an enticing bait for crabs. However, it is important to note that using fish as bait may attract seals, potentially causing issues with your crab pots.
Razor clams are considered the second-best bait for crabbing in Puget Sound. Commercial crabbers often use this bait, and crabs go crazy for it. Clam juice, as well as the trimmings and broken clams from previous clamming excursions, can be extremely effective in attracting crabs to your pot. Combining razor clams with other baits, such as tuna or salmon, can also create a potent attraction for crabs.
While chicken, fish, and razor clams are among the top choices for bait in Puget Sound, other options are also available. Some crabbers use cat food cans with holes punched in the top, smelly jelly from Amazon, or even calf liver. Additionally, pots can be baited with an assortment of widely available options, such as turkey or oily and stinky foods.
When crabbing in Puget Sound, it is important to follow regulations and best practices. Crabbers must carry a Dungeness crab Catch Record Card (CRC) and record their catch immediately. Only male Dungeness crabs measuring at least 6 1/4 inches can be kept. Crabbers should also be mindful of tide conditions, as strong tides can reduce your chances of catching crabs and increase the risk of losing your pots.
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Frequently asked questions
Crab can be found at varying depths in Puget Sound, from as little as 10 feet to over 100 feet. The depth you set your pots at will depend on the layout of the body of water and can take some trial and error. It's recommended to use a depth chart or depth finder to determine the depth of the water and the layout of the underwater terrain. You should always make sure the amount of line is greater than the depth you are setting your pots at.
The standard rope length for most crab pots in Puget Sound is 100 feet.
With 100 feet of line, it's recommended to not go deeper than 75-80 feet. Going deeper than this increases the risk of losing your crab pot.
Crab can be found at various depths in Puget Sound, but they are typically found in waters less than 150 feet deep. The best depth for crabbing will depend on the specific area and conditions, but depths between 20 and 80 feet are often recommended.
