Crabbing in the Long Beach area?

[SeaRun1]

Hey all,

Looking for some advice on crabbing in the Long Beach area.  The regs say the area is open and I will be down there for Memorial Day weekend.  Does anyone have any advice they could share on where a guy could go to try for Dungies?  I have pots and gear and am patiently waiting for the sound opener but figured hey I will be down there why not try?

All I can find on the web is a Nahcotta pier and the jetty down by the Columbia.  Not sure if either work with my sound pots.

Also could use some advice on lakes as well.  Have always wanted to bring my skiff down there to fish.

Thanks for any and all advice.

SeaRun1

[Dustin07]

Chamber of Commerce recommends you hit the Jetty:

http://funbeach.com/activities/crabbing/

[ORCA_SIX]

You can do some scouting this weekend and go clamming too. Last clam dig until probably October. May 21-22. Good luck in your search.

[Dustin07]

You can do some scouting this weekend and go clamming too. Last clam dig until probably October. May 21-22. Good luck in your search.

Yeah I have had commitments every single clam season this year  

[C-Money]

If you dont catch any, we always buy a few from the Crab Pot, they have a bunch. We always have fun over there and have a feast!

[SeaRun1]

Alright , well thanks for the information guys.

I was hoping that there was an accessible jetty that I could get at so I didn't have to mess with  the boat.  I will probably just stick with the scouting and maybe snoop around for possible crab spots the next time.

Thanks Sundance for the pot tips.  I have a pretty good program down for here in the south sound but you can always learn things from other guys so thanks!

SeaRun1

[HntnFsh]

PM sent.

[lokidog]

They also make a little bait box with heavy line loops that supposedly catch the crabs' legs.  You put a weight on it and cast it out with a fishing rod.  Might be a good way to check the jetty out without bringing a bunch of gear.

[SeaRun1]

Do they work very well?  I am guessing you just randomly check them as you would likely not know when they "take" the bait.

SeaRun1

[HntnFsh]

They work well.You can watch your pole.You'll see the action. I'll send you more info later.

[HntnFsh]

Was just thinking that you may be able to use your pots off the docks at Chinook or Illwaco.But I dont really remember seeing anybody do it.So dont know if they are any good or not.

Call Eds bait shop in Ilwaco and they should be able to tell you if thast a possibility.

Ive had really good luck using the system we talked about.But the docks may be an option.

[CastleRocker]

If you don't mind taking a skiff, Willipa Bay can be real good. 

If you have a decent sized skiff, run to the other side of the river (Oregon side) to the South Jetty.  That's where we usually go.  We did see two guys out off the south jetty last time picking pots in a 14' canoe, but I wouldn't recommend that unless you have the Coast Guard standing by.