Winter crabbing season

[Angry Perch]

How often does WDFW open winter crabbing seasons? I assume it's based on the estimated summer catch?

[Stein]

Yep, hard to say this year as they have been very "creative" opening (or not) seasons.  That's the most gentle way I can say it.  We do know there was historically high pressure in many areas and WDFW remains reluctant to open seasons and often makes it as difficult to participate as possible.

Historically, they tally the summer total and open winter seasons.  Most years have a winter season as the pressure is extremely low compared with summer.  With blackmouth closed, pressure will be even lower.

[Angry Perch]

Thanks Stein. Finally was able to get out in the last couple weeks, and the thought of not crabbing again until July isn't great.

[Stein]

Yeah, I always want crab on the Thanksgiving table, but not enough to drag the boat out of storage, outfit it back up, go and then have to clean it up in the sideways 40 degree rain.

[fishngamereaper]

They need to look at all the catch record cards first and determine if they can sustain another season. Then they will test crab the area's and see what the catch rates are .. won't know for sure for a couple months.

[blackpowderhunter]

Yeah, I always want crab on the Thanksgiving table, but not enough to drag the boat out of storage, outfit it back up, go and then have to clean it up in the sideways 40 degree rain.

and this is why my dream shop will have warm water sources inside plus a drain in the middle of the floor