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!
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| 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
Your Romantic Getaway on the Beautiful Oregon Coast
