Astoria Crab Charter
For locals, crabbing is a fun activity leading up to a tasty feast. For those coming from far away, a crab charter is the prelude to a special culinary experience. Near Astoria, Oregon, Dungeness crab grow large on the food stirred up where the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean meet.
Peak Crabbing Season:
Late September through December
Crabbing Trip Pricing:
Full Day: $150/Seat, $600 Private Boat (max 5)
Crab Charter Includes:
✓ All Crabbing Gear
✓ Bait
✓ Crab Cleaning (cooking not included)
✓ Ice and Bags for Transport
Crab Freezing and Shipping Available
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Trip Details
Hammond Boat Launch in Hammond, Oregon
or West Basin Marina in Astoria, Oregon
Yes. I provide all traps and bait
Vacuum sealing, freezing, and shipping is available through Gezellig Seafoods and European Groceries in Downtown Astoria. I supply ice and plastic bags if you are driving home.
You need either an Oregon or Washington Shellfish License.
Weather appropriate clothing, Drinks, Snacks and lunch
The limit in the Columbia and Ocean near Astoria Oregon is typically 12 crab per person per day
What to Expect During a Crab Charter
I will let you know the exact meeting time and location a day or so ahead of time. Weather and tides decide the schedule for crab trips. I will generally try to target within 2 hours of the high or low tide. I will typically set the pots ahead of your trip. This helps to make sure we get limits.
If weather and regulations allow, I target the area near the Cape Disappointment lighthouse or just beyond the South Jetty. This is where the crabbing tends to be best. There are a few other spots closer to the marina that also produce a lot of crab. These tend to be a bit more crowded. I also supply crab snares that work off of fishing poles. Catching crab on a fishing pole is a fun activity, especially for kids!
Pulling the pots
In calm water you choose if you want to pull the pots or have me pull them for you. The boat is equipped with an electric pot puller to make things easier if needed. Watching to see a full pot of crab come up through the water is always fun!. Once we get them on board I will sort the crab for you. This will make sure that the ones we keep are all legal. The crab will be stored on ice to keep them calm. There are several local businesses that offer cooking services for crab at a small fee. I will clean them raw and send them with you on ice if you choose as well.
Book A Crabbing Trip
Discounts Available for Multi-day trips, First Responders, Active Duty Military and Veterans (includes Coast Guard), First Responders, and Foster Families. E-mail or call (657)378-1939.