Oregon Coast Crabbing

When it comes to crabbing, Oregon does it right!  Oregon is often a leader in sustainable practices and crabbing is no different. Did you know that Oregon is the only certified sustainable state crab fishery? Oregon coast crabbing is one of the many activies natives and visitors love to do in our area. Just minutes from Sandlake Country Inn in beautiful Netarts Bay, you'll be able to try your hand at crabbing. These tasty crustaceans are prized by chefs. James Beard is quoted "'meal the gods intended only for the pure in palate" when describing the Pacific Northwest's dungeness crab, and it was also Julia Child's favorite!

Dungeness Crab

The Dungeness crab fishery in Oregon is managed by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) using a simple system known as the '3 S's' - Size, Sex & Season.
Size - Only mature male crabs measuring at least 6 ¼ inches across the back of the shell are harvested. Undersized male crabs are returned to the ocean to insure a healthy 'breed stock'.
Sex - ALL female crabs are released unharmed and return to the ocean floor, where they continue the mating cycle to insure healthy stocks and future harvests.
Season - The annual harvest begins each year on December 1, when the crabs are hard-shelled, full of meat and in their prime. The season closes on August 14th to minimize handling so that 'post molt', soft-shelled crabs can 'fill out' undisturbed.

This management method has served the resource well for decades and insures that the Dungeness fishery is truly sustainable.

To go crabbing on your own, just head to Netarts Bay and pick up everything you need for your adventure. You can get your license and supplies at Netarts Bay RV Campgrounds and Marina, approximately a 15 minute drive from Sandlake Country Inn

Diane Emineth

Sandlake Country Inn

Your Romantic Getaway on the Beautiful Oregon Coast