Westport, Washington, is a haven for seafood lovers—from salmon to rockfish to halibut and oysters, it’s one of the largest commercial and sport fishing hubs on the West Coast. Among all these coastal treasures, crabbing stands out as a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience and the backbone of Westport’s seafood industry. From the bustling marinas to scenic beaches, the area offers ample opportunities to catch Dungeness and red rock crabs—two of the most sought-after species.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a curious beginner, crabbing in Westport offers a fun, hands-on adventure with the bonus of a delicious, buttery meal at the end!
If you’re just getting started, here’s a primer to get you on your way to your first Westport crabbing adventure.
Crabbing season is at its peak from December to March, but recreational crabbing is open all year with the right equipment.
What you’re catching:
Dungeness crab: Dubbed “The Kings of the North,” Dungeness crab are most easily identified by their purple-hued shells and are known to grow up to 10 inches across and are generally found along sandy or muddy parts of the ocean floor.
Fun fact: It takes about four years for male Dungeness crabs to reach harvest size.
Red Rock Crabs: Known as “The Pearl of the Pacific Northwest,” Red Rock Crabs generally measure less than 6 inches across and have larger claws. While less meaty than their Dungeness counterparts, red rock crab meat is still quite tasty. You can identify them by their red coloration and the black on the tips of their claws.
Gear Up: What You’ll Need
Before heading out, make sure you’re equipped with the right tools:
1. Crab Pots or Rings: These are the primary tools for trapping crabs. Crab pots are sturdier and better for extended use, while rings are great for shorter sessions. The easiest way to get into crabbing is by renting a crab pot or rings, which can be found at various spots around town, one of which is The Seafood Connection._
2. Bait: Crabs love fish carcasses, chicken parts, turkey, or squid. The fresher, the better! Fresh bait can be purchased at a variety of places in town.
3. Crab Gauge: To measure your catch and ensure it meets legal size limits. You can catch five male hardshell Dungeness crabs a day that are at least 6 1/4” wide and/or six hardshell Red Rock Crab per day with a 5” minimum of either sex. Get your gauge from any crabbing outfitter or purchase one for under $10 online.
The underside of a female and male Dungeness crab.
NOTE: You can tell the sex of the crabs by looking at their underside. The shape of both the male and female’s abdomen, or apron, is triangular, but the male’s is pointed and narrow while the female’s is more rounded, wider, and located closer to the center of the crab’s underside. Additionally, in many species, male crabs have brightly colored claws, while females’ claws have red tips. Males are often larger than females, but always check the aprons - there are some big girls out there!
4. Bucket or Cooler with ice: Keep your crabs fresh and alive until it’s time to cook.
5. Gloves: great for wet ropes and avoiding pincers!
6. Fishing License: Washington State requires a shellfish license for crabbing. Be sure to check local regulations for specific limits and requirements.